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It's not only Chinese, there's a Spanish saying "Más vale ser cabeza de ratón que cola de león", which translates to "It's better to be the head of a mouse than
by GFischer 16y ago
It's not only Chinese, there's a Spanish saying "Más vale ser cabeza de ratón que cola de león", which translates to "It's better to be the head of a mouse than the tail of a lion".
I also see a similarity between the early Spanish immigrants (started small businesses, farming, etc) and the current-day Chinese immigrants (which usually start their own businesses over here as well).
- gwern 16y agoOr the English saying, 'better to be a big fish in a small pond'?
- plorkyeran 16y agoOr perhaps "Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven."
- philwelch 16y agoThat seems to have the opposite connotation--after all, it is Satan who says that.
- plorkyeran 16y agoMilton certainly intended it to have the opposite connotation (and Satan even goes on to admit he was lying out of pride), but I have met people who genuinely believe it's a good philosophy to live by.
- wushupork 16y agoThere is a similar saying in Thai that translates to 'Better to be the head of a dog than the tail of a tiger'. I think it's one of those phrases that transcend cultural barriers. Great to see the different versions.
- zmoazeni 16y agoI can understand that others go the independent route in order to be the decision maker and not the follower, and I do think there is a part of me that resonates with that. However for me going independent was a better way to help others. I believe strongly that a good leader has to first be a good follower, though I still have a long way to go as a leader :) I think successful consultancies put their client's success as first priority, and they use their passion, experience, and talent to achieve that goal. I try to model my relationships after that. If I naturally become the lead in the project, that's great but it isn't a priority.