A proverb decoded

‘The turtle lays a thousand eggs with no one knowing but the hen lays one egg and cackles for everyone to hear’ goes the Malay proverb. Generally proverbs reveal timeless truths about human behaviour, but very few are as insightful as this one that contrasts the quiet turtle with the noisy hen. 

The egg laying turtle symbolizes humility, patience, dedication and no fuss. This act can be seen as a metaphor for people who work diligently behind the scenes, contributing significantly without demanding praise. The teachers of our society shaping future generations, healthcare workers quietly saving lives, any family member providing steadfast support  and our ever alert jawans in the border areas  because of whom we sleep peacefully every night would fall under this category. Their contributions, though crucial, are often overlooked because they are not accompanied by noise or self-promotion.

On the other hand, the hen represents those who achieve something small but make a loud proclamation about it. While there is nothing wrong with celebrating success, this behaviour often attracts more attention than it deserves. In the modern world, this is evident on social media platforms where people broadcast even trivial accomplishments, often gaining admiration and validation for things that pale in comparison to the quiet sacrifices and hard work of others. The cackling hen is a symbol of the age of self-promotion, where visibility is often mistaken for value. Through this comparison, the proverb draws a contrast between quiet, consistent effort and loud, self-promoting actions. It indicates how society often overlooks modesty and hard work, instead rewards those who are more vocal about their achievements.

The proverb also serves as a critique of this imbalance. It encourages reflection on the values we promote in our society: Do we admire substance or show? Do we reward quiet consistency, or do we celebrate those who are merely loud? In the age of social media and digital visibility, this proverb feels especially relevant. Many people feel pressured to showcase every achievement, no matter how small, just to stay noticed. Meanwhile, countless others continue their work in silence, content with doing their best, even if no one ever applauds them. Thus this proverb is more than a witty observation; it’s a powerful reflection on human nature, diffidence, recognition and societal values. It urges us to look beyond the noise and appreciate the substance.