Skip to main content

Posts

Showing posts from September, 2024

How far does one take provocation, and not retaliat with lethal measures?

The Kiepersol Tree and the Goats: A Metaphor for Power, Yielding, and Consequences Being fully armed does not mean you must fight Have you ever felt like you were being pushed around, underestimated, or treated unfairly? It can be a frustrating and even painful experience. A Zulu proverb, "Goba msenge udliwe izimbuzi," offers a powerful metaphor for this situation. It translates to "Let the kiepersol tree bend so that the goats may eat of it." The kiepersol tree is a hardy plant known for its resilience and ability to survive in harsh conditions. Goats, on the other hand, are often seen as gentle creatures, but they can be destructive if given the opportunity. The proverb suggests that a strong, powerful individual might choose to yield to harassment or insult, even though they know they could easily defend themselves. While this might seem like a selfless act, it can have serious consequences. The goats may become emboldened by the tree's submission and continu