As times change, catch phrases, slang, advice, and proverbs (to name just a few things!) are bound to also change.
I recently came across 65 Modern Proverbs by Nikki Farquharson. This book, which I don't think is for sale, is a collection of proverbs that have been modified to fit today's world. For example, the old Friedrich Nietzsche quote "That which does not kill us makes us stronger" had been updated to "That which does not kill us scars us for life". And isn't that the truth? I don't know exactly what meaning she intended (or if I should even think about it so much!), but I can see it in two different ways. Sometimes something happens that totally weakens you and in no way strengthens you. That experience, as they say, has scarred you for life. In another way, it seems like every time someone does something bad, they fall back on a terrible experience they had in their past as an excuse for being a total jackass today.
Another proverb listed in the book that I like is "A C-lister of all trades is an A-lister of none". True that. Would you rather be reallly really awesome at one thing or just OK at a bunch of stuff?
You can see a few more at Nikki's website. So far, I haven't seen a place where you can read all 65 proverbs. There are also phrases that you can read from her project that inspired 65 Modern Proverbs. One last thing you should check out: this poster created out of coded text. It's awesomely detailed. Could you imagine if someone tried to "write" that on an Etch-A-Sketch!?
Nowadays proverbs really change a lot because they are influenced by trends. We live in a fast modern and individual society and are nearby every day influenced by new innovations. So, why shouldn't people change proverbs? On the one hand, proverbs which are traditional should keep their meaning but on the other hand if somebody changes a proverb it can be awesome. I really like the proverb "A lie never lives to be old" or also Faith can move mountains. These proverbs really speak the truth. I would love to read Nikki Farquharson's book. Maybe it is possible to read it completely online?
Hi Beth - These are too funny. I especially love - Good things come to those who con. And Beauty Is In The Eye of The Media.
Ok - it's sad that these things are true - but they probably say a whole heap more about the world how it is now than the originals ever did.