African proverbs about patience

An egg looks still and lifeless until the day it isn't. Some things can't be rushed; they hatch when they're ready, so be patient.

Food that is eaten late has not spoiled for the waiting. The proverb says that it is better to be patient than to rush into things.

Rushing brings no blessing. Doing a job with care, at a reasonable pace, is what leads somewhere good.

The moon seems barely to move, yet by morning it has crossed the whole sky above the town. Steady, unhurried progress still gets there; speed isn't what decides whether something gets done.

A housefly can't take on a dog's ear all at once. Small, quiet, repeated effort, unimpressive at any single moment, gets done what force couldn't.

Chase greatness in a hurry and you usually end up with a smaller, hastier version of it. Real standing takes the time it takes, and forcing the pace undermines what you're after.

Hardship does not last forever. Difficult periods eventually give way to relief, so even in adversity there is reason to hold on to hope.

The runner and the walker reach the same place; only the time differs. The proverb says that slow, steady progress arrives where speed arrives.