Vietnamese proverb: “A cat praises its long tail”, warning us not to fall into the trap of self-esteem and arrogance
Self-love is good, but not so extreme when it obscures a person’s ability to see their own faults. This is what Vietnamese wisdom reminds us with a humorous proverb, cats think their tails are the longest and most beautiful. Although this proverb is common in Vietnam, it is not well known abroad, although there are many other proverbs that convey the same warning.Today’s Vietnamese proverb is: “Mèo khen mèo dài đuôi”, which literally means “The cat praises the cat for having a long tail”.
Vietnamese proverb literal meaning
In Vietnamese culture, cats are often described in folklore as intelligent, but also somewhat vain, cunning, or self-centered. As we all know, cats don’t praise another cat, but their own tail. A long tail does not confer any additional benefits to the cat; it is simply a physical trait that cats consider superior to others.
What’s wrong with boasting?
If we don’t praise ourselves, who will? What’s wrong with boasting in an age of grandiosity? This proverb correctly addresses the issue, stating that the problem is conceit, taking pride in something of little value. It also prevents us from looking inside ourselves and discovering more valuable qualities, instead of seeing our outside and appreciating it.When someone actively promotes themselves, their achievements, or their family background, Vietnamese culture views this not as confidence, but as a lack of refinement. This proverb mocks this behavior with gentle sarcasm and humor, a subtle reminder that boasting reduces a person’s actual value in the eyes of society.
There are similar proverbs around the world
“Every crow thinks its chick is the whitest” is an English proverb that expresses the same blindness as every crow thinks its chick is the whitest.“Blow your own horn”, “Blow your own horn” are other English proverbs with the same meaning.
Why Vietnamese proverbs are relevant today when we promote self-love and self-praise
Social media operates on self-praise. As people become addicted to social media platforms, browsing displays of unabashed grandiosity, this proverb reminds us to stay grounded. The timeless Vietnamese proverb is like a mirror that shines upon human vanity. It reminds us that true merit does not require self-advertising. When you are truly skilled, kind, or successful, your actions speak for you and the world takes notice without you having to point it out. By mocking the narcissistic cat admiring its own tail, the proverb teaches us to remain humble, seek objective self-awareness, and remember that the most beautiful traits are those recognized by others, not those claimed by ourselves.This proverb tells us that personal experience often influences our judgment more than objective evidence. Whether in family life, politics, business, education or social media, people naturally praise the qualities they already possess. This old Vietnamese proverb is a gentle reminder the next time someone confidently declares that their methods, culture, profession, or perspective is undoubtedly the best: maybe it’s just another cat complimenting the length of its own tail.
