Abused Adages

Adages are sayings that have been passed down through generations and are considered to be timeless wisdom. However, as these phrases become more ubiquitous, they also become more prone to abuse and misuse. In this post, we'll take a look at some of the most abused adages and why misuse is dangerous.

To start let’s answer a question: Why is the misuse of adages dangerous? Adages serve a very specific purpose in our culture. Essentially, they condense complex wisdom into easy-to-digest, bite-sized pieces that allow us to instantly understand and apply the messages that they are putting forward. Now, where this gets dangerous is that adages can be inserted into situations where they do not belong. Adages possess this aura of wisdom that can cause us to rationalize decisions through this quasi-intellectual process. Abused adages destroy logic.

So, let’s get into it.

“You have to spend money to make money.” This is an adage that has peeved me for most of my life. While it is true that in most cases you have to spend money in order to make money, it is not a fact, and you sure as hell don’t need to spend all of your money. Typically, you will hear this phrase coupled with a grossly negligent idea that may be rationalized into existence. If you hear this phrase, run.

“When in Rome, do as the Romans do”

Rome is a great place, but if you want to stand out in business you should not mimic your competition. When you are in Rome, do as the Parisians or the Berliners, just not the Romans. Aim to stand out, be different, question the assumptions that your competition’s business is built upon, and carve your own path forward.

The adages that pose the most danger are those that limit our ability to think. Adages that lead us down a path towards conformity and failure. These are just two examples, but be weary and question the adages you hear. It is a dangerous world out there.