Kanaka Thinking: Wisdom of our Kupuna

Mai kapae i ke a'o a ka makua, aia he ola malaila. Pukui 2065 Do not set aside the teachings of one's parents for there is life there. My mother was not educated. She only completed the fifth grade in Hawaii. Although not well read, she came up with some doozies. "I teach you one thing, you will know 10 things." I used to think this was one of the dumbest things she ever said! Until I was reading a book of Japanese proverbs from the Pahala Public Library. Lo and behold, that statement was in the book of proverbs! My mother was quoting a proverb and I didn't even know it. Like most proverbs, one must create personal meaning through analysis and reflection. Now I understand what she meant. Youth can have a dumbing effect on our lives for a while. Wisdom is gained through experience and understanding.