The Wise Tortoise

Picture courtesy of The Green Turtle

In Yoruba folklore, the tortoise is known as the most cunning animal. Void of natural weapons to attack other animals, and no other defense mechanism other than its ability to recoil into its shell and “play dead”, the tortoise outsmarts other animals by its ability to think, eavesdrop in other people’s conversations while hidden in its shell and manipulate its way into and out of situations. There are numerous stories of how the tortoise out smarted stronger and more agile animals and over came crippling adversity or insurmountable challenges by being wise.


The tortoise just knows how to use what it’s naturally endowed with to get what it wants. That is true wisdom, which is universally applicable. As a matter of fact, as I write this I know even human beings who are just like that. As the Yoruba adage goes, it’s the same way it is for humans that it is for animals.

So be like the tortoise, if life throws you lemons, add sugar and water, make lemonade and start a business selling ice cold lemonade people can’t refuse.

A word is enough for the wise...