[Chase]

Dujeychugh jagh nIv yItuHQo

English Translation: "There is nothing shameful in falling before a superior enemy.."

Episode Source: The Next Generation: the Last Outpost




I would first like to thank Solace suggesting this proverb for our our next Proverb Discussion. I too feel like this is an excellent proverb that not only influences Klingons in the show but I think can also be tied to our real lives in a positive way.

I believe this proverb's fundamental meaning is to display the importance of pushing oneself out of your perceived capability or comfort zone. I think this is one of the tenets for a Klingon's lifelong drive for glory.

In relation to real life, without "falling to a superior enemy" or attempting something you originally thought was not possible for you and potentially failing, you will never truly know what you are capable of. Like Solace mentioned in a earlier post, it is important to accept ones limitations but you can not really fully understand your limitations until you do something that pushes you past what you originally thought was possible. I believe only then can you truly know your limitations and only then can put yourself in a position for success.

Agree? Disagree? I would love to hear other thoughts on this particular proverb!

If you would like to submit your favorite proverb for a future discussion, please check out the link HERE and add a new post!

[Stormy]

In anything competitive or combative, you learn the most when you face those who are better than you are. You will learn nothing from someone you can easily best. Only by challenging those who are superior can we learn to reach the same pinnacle. Of course, in war you risk death, but if the enemy was truly superior, there is no shame.

[Tain]

You can do everything right and still loose.

Victory or defeat, you can feel good about your self so long as you did your best.

[Chase]

In anything competitive or combative, you learn the most when you face those who are better than you are. You will learn nothing from someone you can easily best. Only by challenging those who are superior can we learn to reach the same pinnacle. Of course, in war you risk death, but if the enemy was truly superior, there is no shame.

I think you made some excellent points here Stormy! I too believe that if you never challenge yourself, you will never actually improve yourself.

You can do everything right and still loose.

Victory or defeat, you can feel good about your self so long as you did your best.

I really like your point about doing everything right and still falling short. I think that is an important life lesson as well. I feel that there are many times when life is just not fair. You can do everything in your power to succeed and still fall short, what is important is how you handle that defeat because win or lose, you learned and grew as a person. I personally think that how you handle yourself in failure is more important that how you handle yourself in success. Anyone agree or disagree?

[Leoferwic]

I think this proverb does mean that you have to try your best irregardless of the circumstances you find yourself in, I feel that viewed in a Klingon mindset this could be used to encourage warriors when they are outnumbered or outmatched by the enemies they face, to inspire them to keep trying and not give up. It makes me think of a quote from LotR; "Gamling: Too few have come. We cannot defeat the armies of Mordor.
Theoden: No. We cannot. But we will meet them in battle nonetheless."

Commodore, I do agree with you there. It is much more important how you handle yourself and others when you have failed or are failing than when you are victorious, it is a much better reflection of your true character. After all, as the Mythbusters say "Failure is always an option!"