The Marquesas Islands, known locally as Henua Enana (The Land of Men) or Fenua Enata, stand as one of the most remote and culturally potent archipelagos on Earth. Located in the far reaches of French Polynesia, these volcanic islands rise dramatically from the Pacific Ocean, lacking the protective coral reefs that surround their Tahitian neighbors. This rugged geography has forged a culture defined by resilience, profound spirituality, and an unbreakable bond with the natural world. For centuries, the Marquesan people have preserved a worldview that is both fierce and deeply philosophical, expressed through the art of Patutiki (tattooing), the carving of Tiki, and a rich oral tradition of proverbs and wise sayings.
To understand the wisdom of the Marquesas is to understand the concept of Mana—a spiritual life force that permeates the universe. In Marquesan society, words are not merely tools for communication; they are vessels of this power. The oral history of the islands was traditionally guarded by the Tuhuna (master craftsmen and wisdom keepers), who ensured that the knowledge of navigation, warfare, agriculture, and ethics was passed down with precision. These proverbs offer a window into a civilization that respects the raw power of the ocean, the sanctity of the ancestors, and the importance of communal survival in isolated valleys.
In the modern era, the wisdom of Henua Enana remains strikingly relevant. It speaks of endurance in the face of storms, the importance of maintaining one's identity (as written on the skin), and the balance between human ambition and the will of the gods. As we explore these aphorisms, we uncover a philosophy that influenced artists like Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, who sought refuge and truth on these shores. The following collection represents the depth of Marquesan thought, categorized to guide you through their distinct worldview.
POPULAR PROVERBS
Mana, Ancestry, and the Sacred Spirit
"The eyes of the Tiki never close."
This proverb serves as a solemn reminder of accountability and the omnipresence of the spiritual world. In Marquesan culture, the Tiki represents deified ancestors who watch over the living, ensuring that traditions are respected and taboos (tapu) are kept. It suggests that even when one is alone, their actions are observed by the lineage that came before them, urging moral integrity at all times.
"Mana is not given; it is gathered like rain in a stone basin."
Spiritual power, or Mana, is not an inherent birthright that remains static; it is accumulated through right action, skill, and honor. Just as a stone basin slowly fills with water to sustain life, a person builds their spiritual authority through patience and the gradual accumulation of wisdom and accomplishments.
"Respect the silence of the Marae, for the stones are listening."
The Marae is the sacred ceremonial ground, a place of immense power where the physical and spiritual worlds intersect. This saying teaches the importance of reverence and mindfulness in holy places. It implies that the environment itself records human behavior, and disrespecting the sacred silence invites misfortune.
"The voice of the ancestor is the wind in the ironwood trees."
Nature is the primary medium through which the ancestors communicate with the living. When the wind sighs through the Casuarina (ironwood) trees, it is interpreted as guidance or warning from the past. This proverb encourages deep listening and maintaining a connection with the natural elements to understand one's path.
"A head without tapu is a house without a roof."
In Polynesian culture, the head is the most sacred part of the body, the repository of knowledge and spirit. To live without "tapu"—without sacred restrictions or self-respect—is to leave oneself vulnerable to spiritual and physical ruin. It emphasizes the necessity of personal boundaries and dignity.
"Do not wake the sleeping gods with a loud tongue."
Boastfulness and unnecessary noise are frowned upon, as they disturb the balance of the environment. This saying advises humility and discretion. It suggests that arrogance attracts negative attention from the spiritual forces that govern destiny, whereas humility allows one to navigate life smoothly.
"The shadow of the mountain is the blanket of the ancestors."
The dramatic peaks of the Marquesas are often shrouded in clouds and shadow, dominating the valleys where people live. This metaphor suggests that the land itself offers protection and comfort. It reinforces the connection between the geography of the islands and the protective spirits of the forefathers.
"Your name is a canoe that must float long after you are gone."
Legacy is a central theme in Marquesan life. One’s reputation is viewed as a vessel that carries their memory across the ocean of time. This proverb serves as a motivation to live honorably so that one's name remains buoyant and respected by future generations, rather than sinking into oblivion.
"The bone of the warrior lies in the earth, but his spirit rides the wave."
While the physical body returns to the land (Henua), the essence of a person is eternal and dynamic like the ocean. This speaks to the duality of existence—grounded in the soil but spiritually fluid. It offers comfort in the face of death, suggesting a transformation rather than an end.
"To forget the genealogy is to cut the anchor line."
Genealogy (Whakapapa in other Polynesian dialects) is the anchor of identity. Without knowing who you are and where you come from, you are adrift in a chaotic world. This proverb stresses the vital importance of reciting and remembering one's lineage to maintain stability and purpose.
"The drumbeat travels further in the night."
Spiritual messages and truths are often clearer during times of darkness or difficulty. Just as the sound of the Pahu (drum) carries over great distances in the quiet of the night, wisdom often resonates most profoundly when we are silent and attentive during life's darker phases.
"A tattoo is a story that death cannot erase."
Marquesan tattooing is world-renowned for its complexity and spiritual significance. This saying elevates the art form beyond decoration; it is an eternal record of rank, genealogy, and courage. It implies that while the flesh may perish, the identity carved into the skin remains a permanent testament to the soul's journey.
"The shark is the guardian of the deep, the chief is the guardian of the people."
This draws a parallel between the apex predator of the ocean and the human leader. Both command respect and fear, but both have a duty to protect their domain. It reminds leaders that their power comes with the responsibility of guardianship, not just dominance.
"Offer the first fruit to the stone, and the tree will bear forever."
Gratitude and sacrifice are essential for abundance. By offering the first harvest to the Tiki or the ancestors (represented by the stone), one acknowledges the source of their prosperity. It teaches that generosity and recognition of the divine ensure the continuity of resources.
"The navel cord is buried, binding the child to the land."
The tradition of burying the umbilical cord connects the individual physically and spiritually to their birthplace. This proverb signifies an unbreakable loyalty to one's homeland. No matter how far a Marquesan travels, their essence remains rooted in the soil where their life began.
"Fire illuminates the face, but darkness reveals the heart."
It is easy to pretend or perform when in the "light" of public scrutiny. However, true character is revealed in the "darkness," during private moments or times of adversity. This wisdom urges people to judge character based on deep integrity rather than superficial appearances.
"The lizard does not dream of being a bird."
Acceptance of one's nature and role is a form of wisdom. This proverb advises against envy and the desire to be something one is not. It encourages finding power and perfection within one's own inherent design and destiny.
"Breath is the bridge between the visible and the invisible."
In many Polynesian cultures, Ha (breath) is the essence of life. This saying suggests that the act of breathing is a constant connection to the spiritual realm. It serves as a meditation instruction, reminding us that life is a fragile, sacred exchange with the universe.
"When the Tiki falls, the people stumble."
When spiritual symbols and traditions are neglected or destroyed, society loses its moral compass. This warns against the degradation of culture and religion, predicting social chaos if the foundational beliefs that hold the community together are abandoned.
"The dream is the shadow of the soul walking."
Dreams are taken seriously as visitations or journeys of the spirit. This poetic expression validates the dream world as a reality parallel to the waking world. It encourages individuals to pay attention to their dreams as valid sources of insight and guidance.
Resilience, Strength, and the Warrior’s Path
"Stand like the U'u, heavy and unbroken."
The U'u is the massive, intricately carved war club of the Marquesan warrior. This proverb calls for steadfastness and immense mental and physical fortitude. It advises one to be heavy with purpose and unbreakable in the face of conflict or adversity.
"The storm breaks the weak branch but bends the strong palm."
Flexibility is a component of true strength. While rigid resistance can lead to destruction, the ability to yield and adapt—like the coconut palm in a typhoon—ensures survival. This teaches resilience through adaptation rather than stubborn opposition.
"A warrior does not look at his feet while running."
Focus and vision are crucial for success. If a warrior looks down, he loses sight of the goal and the enemy. This applies to life goals; one must keep their eyes on the horizon and the objective, trusting their feet to find the path without micromanagement.
"Pain is the chisel that carves the man."
Just as the tattoo artist's chisel (the hau) carves the skin to create a masterpiece, life's pain and suffering carve a person's character. This proverb reframes suffering not as a punishment, but as a necessary artistic process to create a stronger, more beautiful soul.
"Do not fear the shark that you can see."
The visible danger is manageable because it can be strategized against. This warning suggests that hidden dangers—deceit, betrayal, or unseen obstacles—are far more perilous. It teaches constant vigilance and awareness of what lies beneath the surface.
"The steepest valley creates the strongest legs."
The Marquesan landscape is defined by incredibly steep, jagged valleys. Living there requires immense physical fitness. Metaphorically, this means that a difficult life filled with obstacles creates a person of superior strength and capability. Ease creates weakness; struggle creates power.
"Blood washes away, but glory remains in the song."
Physical wounds heal and the brutality of battle fades, but the stories of heroism live on in oral tradition. This motivates individuals to act with courage, knowing that their deeds will outlast their physical suffering and become part of the collective history.
"A spear thrown in anger misses the mark."
Emotional control is the hallmark of a great warrior. Acting out of blind rage leads to error and failure. This timeless wisdom advises a cool head and calculated action, ensuring that energy is directed efficiently toward the target.
"The rock does not argue with the wave."
Stoicism is a powerful defense. The rock endures the crashing waves without reaction or complaint, and it remains long after the wave has receded. This teaches the power of silent endurance and maintaining one's position against the chaotic forces of life.
"Eat the taro whole, do not complain of the skin."
Resilience requires accepting the rough with the smooth. If one is hungry and requires strength, one cannot be picky or complain about the minor inconveniences. It suggests embracing the totality of a situation, including its less pleasant aspects, to gain the benefit.
"The scar is a memory written on the body."
Similar to tattoos, scars are viewed with respect rather than shame. They are proof of survival and battles fought. This proverb encourages owning one's history and trauma, wearing it proudly as evidence of resilience and the ability to heal.
"Only the bird that flies high sees the approaching storm."
Perspective is a strategic advantage. By elevating one’s mind and looking at the bigger picture, one can anticipate problems before they arrive. It warns against being too caught up in the immediate details and failing to see long-term threats.
"Silence is the loudest war cry."
Intimidation often comes not from noise, but from an eerie calm. A warrior who does not need to scream is confident in his ability. This advises that true power does not need to announce itself; its presence alone is enough to command the situation.
"If the canoe capsizes, the ocean remains."
Failure is a temporary state, but the environment of opportunity (the ocean) remains constant. This teaches that even if a specific venture fails, life goes on. One must right the canoe and continue paddling rather than despairing over the mishap.
"Do not sharpen the spear after the battle has begun."
Preparation is everything. Once a crisis starts, it is too late to acquire the skills or tools needed to survive it. This proverb emphasizes the importance of constant readiness and foresight in all aspects of life.
"The small stone can break the great gourd."
Never underestimate the small or the seemingly insignificant. A minor oversight or a small opponent can dismantle something large and seemingly secure. This serves as a warning against complacency and arrogance.
"Walk softly, but carry the heavy club."
This is the Marquesan equivalent of "speak softly and carry a big stick." It advocates for a demeanor of peace and politeness, backed by the undeniable capacity for force if necessary. It is the philosophy of the peaceful protector.
"Hunger turns the boy into a hunter."
Necessity is the mother of maturity. Comfort keeps people in a state of childhood; it is the need to survive and provide that forces growth. This proverb validates the struggles of youth as necessary rites of passage.
"The sun burns the skin, but the wind cools the brow."
Life is a balance of hardship and relief. For every difficulty (the burning sun), there is a mitigating comfort (the cooling wind). This encourages optimism and the recognition that suffering is rarely absolute; there is always some relief to be found.
"To retreat is not to flee; it is to wait for the wave."
Strategic withdrawal is different from cowardice. Sometimes one must pull back to gather strength or wait for better conditions (the right wave) to launch an attack or a project. It teaches the wisdom of timing over brute force.
The Ocean, Nature, and the Elements
"The ocean separates the islands, but connects the people."
The sea is often seen as a barrier by outsiders, but to the Islander, it is a highway. This proverb shifts the perspective from isolation to connection. It suggests that what seems to divide us can actually be the medium that brings us together if we know how to navigate it.
"No wave is the same as the one before it."
Nature is in constant flux. This saying reminds us that every moment and every challenge is unique. One cannot rely entirely on past experiences to solve present problems; one must remain present and attentive to the changing currents of life.
"The breadfruit does not fall far from the trunk."
Similar to the Western idiom "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," this refers to the Uru (breadfruit), a staple of life. It implies that children resemble their parents and that nature follows predictable patterns of inheritance and proximity.
"You cannot calm the storm by shouting at the clouds."
It is futile to fight against forces beyond your control. This proverb teaches acceptance of the inevitable. Instead of wasting energy complaining about natural events or fate, one should focus on securing their shelter and weathering the event.
"The tide waits for no chief."
Nature is the ultimate equalizer. The ocean does not care about human hierarchy or status. This serves as a reminder of humility; no matter how powerful a person becomes, they are still subject to the laws of nature and time.
"A fish that stays in the coral sees only the reef."
To understand the world, one must venture into the deep ocean. Staying in one's comfort zone (the coral) limits perspective and growth. This encourages exploration and the courage to leave the safety of home to gain wisdom.
"The moon pulls the water, the woman pulls the heart."
This poetic analogy links the cosmic power of the moon over the tides to the emotional power of women in society. It acknowledges the subtle but irresistible forces that govern both the natural world and human relationships.
"When the frigate bird flies low, the rain is coming."
Observation of nature provides the answers we seek. The behavior of the frigate bird is a weather indicator. This teaches that signs of future events are always present if one knows how to read the environment.
"The land is the mother, the ocean is the father."
This establishes the dual reverence for earth and sea. The land provides shelter and sustenance, while the ocean provides adventure and challenge. It emphasizes the need to respect both elements to maintain a balanced life.
"Dry wood burns, green wood smokes."
Timing and maturity matter. Attempting to use resources or people before they are ready (green wood) leads to poor results. This proverb counsels patience, waiting for the right moment when potential has matured into readiness.
"The hibiscus flower lasts only a day, but the rock lasts forever."
This contrasts fleeting beauty with enduring substance. While it is right to admire the beauty of the moment (the flower), one should build their life on things that last (the rock). It is a lesson on values and prioritizing long-term stability.
"Do not blame the wind if your sail is tattered."
Personal responsibility is paramount. If one fails, it is easy to blame external circumstances (the wind), but often the fault lies in one's own lack of preparation (the tattered sail). It urges self-reflection before external blame.
"The mountain does not bow to the wind."
Integrity should be immovable. Regardless of the prevailing trends or pressures (the wind), a person of character (the mountain) stands firm in their truth. It is a celebration of stubborn, principled resistance.
"Water always finds its way to the sea."
Truth and destiny are inevitable. Just as gravity guides water, the truth will eventually come out, and destiny will be fulfilled. It suggests that resistance to the natural flow of things is often futile.
"The root is hidden, but the fruit is seen."
We judge the tree by the fruit, but the health of the tree depends on the unseen roots. This metaphor applies to people; their public achievements are visible, but they are sustained by their private character and background.
"Even the smallest stream feeds the great river."
Every contribution matters. In a community or a project, the small efforts of individuals combine to create a powerful force. This proverb validates the importance of the humble and the small in the grand scheme of things.
"The coconut falls only when it is ready."
Death and change happen at their appointed times. This saying is often used to comfort those grieving, suggesting that the timing of life's events follows a natural order that human beings cannot force or delay.
"Listen to the whisper of the leaves before the roar of the storm."
Warning signs are often subtle. By the time the danger is loud and obvious, it is often too late. This encourages developing a sensitivity to the small changes in one's environment to prevent disaster.
"The horizon is not the end, it is the beginning of a new sky."
Marquesans are navigators. To them, the horizon is not a boundary but an invitation. This proverb inspires hope and the belief that limits are merely illusions; reaching a goal simply opens up a new vista of possibilities.
"Salt water cures all: sweat, tears, or the sea."
A famous sentiment across Polynesia. It suggests that the cure for life's troubles is either hard work (sweat), emotional release (tears), or immersing oneself in the healing power of the ocean. It is a prescription for holistic healing.
Community, Kinship, and Hospitality
"One thread does not make a rope."
Unity is strength. A single fiber is weak and easily snapped, but when woven together, they become a rope capable of holding a ship. This is the foundational philosophy of island collectivism—we are only strong when we are bound together.
"The guest is a god visiting."
Polynesian hospitality is legendary. This proverb elevates the status of the visitor, suggesting they should be treated with the highest reverence. It implies that generosity to strangers brings blessings and that selfishness insults the divine.
"Share the catch before the fire is lit."
Generosity should be the first instinct, not an afterthought. One should distribute resources while they are fresh, rather than waiting until one has satisfied their own needs. It emphasizes community survival over individual hoarding.
"A house with open doors holds more than a house with locks."
A metaphorical truth about relationships. Being open, trusting, and welcoming creates a richer life filled with friends and allies, whereas isolation and suspicion leave a person spiritually empty, even if their possessions are safe.
"The child belongs to the village, not just the hut."
This is the Marquesan version of "it takes a village to raise a child." It reminds parents that the community shares responsibility for the next generation, and it reminds the child that they are accountable to all the elders, not just their biological parents.
"Do not eat the lobster while your neighbor eats the shell."
Inequality breeds resentment and destroys harmony. This proverb warns against enjoying luxury while those around you suffer. It calls for equitable distribution of resources to maintain social peace.
"Words are the food of the heart."
Just as the body needs food, the emotional self needs kindness, praise, and conversation. This reminds people to speak sweetly and supportively to one another, as harsh words can starve a relationship.
"Two eyes see better than one."
Collaboration leads to better solutions. Asking for advice and seeking a second opinion is not a sign of weakness, but of wisdom. It encourages consultation and consensus-making in tribal decisions.
"The path to the neighbor’s house must not grow grass."
Relationships require maintenance. If one does not visit friends and family regularly, the "path" disappears. This poetic saying urges constant connection and the effort required to keep social bonds alive.
"He who eats alone, chokes alone."
This is a stark warning against selfishness. In a survival culture, hoarding food is a major taboo. The proverb implies that selfishness leads to one's own destruction and that there will be no one there to help when misfortune strikes.
"Small hands can carry big stones if there are many."
Cooperation overcomes physical limitations. Even the weak or young can achieve monumental tasks if they work in unison. It is a celebration of collective effort over individual ability.
"Speak truth to the chief, but lower your head."
Honesty is necessary, but protocol must be observed. One can deliver difficult news or disagreement to authority, provided it is done with the proper respect and lack of aggression. It teaches the art of diplomacy.
"A gift given with a frown is no gift at all."
The intention behind an action is as important as the action itself. Giving grudgingly negates the value of the generosity. This proverb emphasizes that the spirit of the giver must be pure for the exchange to have Mana.
"We stand on the shoulders of those who are buried."
Current success is entirely dependent on the sacrifices of previous generations. This instills humility and gratitude, reminding the living that they are the beneficiaries of their ancestors' struggles.
"Laughter clears the sky of the mind."
Humor is a vital social lubricant and a coping mechanism. In tight-knit communities, tension must be released. This saying values joy and laughter as essential tools for mental clarity and social harmony.
"The knot that is tied by two hands is harder to undo."
Agreements and bonds made by mutual consent are stronger than those forced by one side. It applies to marriage, alliances, and friendships, championing the power of mutual commitment.
"Do not judge the canoe by the paint."
Superficiality is deceptive. A canoe might be beautifully decorated but rotten inside. Similarly, a person might look impressive but lack substance. This advises looking deeper into a person's character and utility before forming an opinion.
"When the feast is over, the memories remain."
Material pleasures are transient, but the social bonds they forge are lasting. The value of a feast is not the food consumed, but the shared experience. It encourages investing in experiences and gatherings rather than mere objects.
"The angry man sets his own house on fire."
Anger is self-destructive. When one lashes out at the community or family, they are destroying their own support system. It serves as a caution against letting temper destroy one's sanctuary.
"To share knowledge is to plant a breadfruit tree."
Knowledge, like a tree, feeds people for years to come. Keeping wisdom to oneself is wasteful; teaching others ensures that the knowledge continues to nourish the community long after the teacher is gone.
Time, Patience, and Destiny
"The sun rises for the ant and the chief alike."
Time and nature are impartial. Everyone, regardless of status, has the same twenty-four hours and faces the same basic realities of day and night. This promotes a sense of fundamental equality and shared humanity.
"Patience is the net that catches the biggest fish."
Rushing leads to mistakes and small rewards. The fisherman who waits patiently catches the prize. This proverb applies to all long-term goals, teaching that the greatest rewards are reserved for those who can endure the wait.
"Tomorrow is a guest who has not yet arrived."
Anxiety about the future is wasted energy. One cannot control or fully know a guest who hasn't shown up yet. This encourages living in the present moment and dealing with the future only when it becomes the present.
"The footprint in the sand is gone with the tide, but the footprint in the stone remains."
This distinguishes between temporary actions and lasting legacy. It asks the listener: are you doing things that will wash away tomorrow, or are you carving something permanent? It is a call to create work of enduring value.
"Do not count the waves, sail the sea."
Obsessing over details or obstacles (counting waves) paralyzes action. One must engage with the journey itself. It suggests that it is better to be in motion and dealing with life than to be a passive observer of its difficulties.
"Youth runs fast, but age knows the shortcut."
Energy is not a substitute for experience. While the young have speed and power, the elders possess the wisdom to achieve goals more efficiently. It fosters respect for the elderly and the value of their life experience.
"The night does not stay forever."
Hope is rational. No matter how dark the situation, the cycle of nature dictates that the sun must rise. This is a proverb of comfort during times of grief or depression, reminding us that all suffering is temporary.
"You cannot paddle yesterday’s canoe."
The past is gone and cannot be used to navigate the present. Dwelling on past glories or mistakes is futile. One must use the resources and reality of today to move forward.
"The seed waits in the dark before it seeks the light."
Growth requires a period of dormancy and struggle. Before success (the light), there is often a period of obscurity and difficulty (the dark). This teaches patience with one's own development and the understanding that hidden struggles precede public success.
"Time is a circle, not a straight line."
The Polynesian concept of time is often cyclical rather than linear. History repeats, seasons return, and ancestors are reborn in children. This worldview encourages a long-term perspective, knowing that what goes around comes around.
"Even the longest night ends with a bird’s song."
Similar to "the night does not stay forever," but with a focus on the beauty that heralds the new beginning. It suggests that relief often comes in small, beautiful forms (like a bird's song) that signal the end of a trial.
"Do not chase the setting sun."
Accept endings. Trying to hold onto things that are finishing (relationships, eras, life phases) is a futile chase into darkness. It is better to turn around and prepare for the new day.
"The turtle moves slowly but always reaches the ocean."
Consistency beats speed. The turtle is clumsy on land but persistent. This proverb encourages steady, relentless progress toward a goal, regardless of how slow the pace may seem.
"Measure the journey by the stars, not the blisters."
Focus on the guidance and the destination, not the pain of the travel. If one focuses only on the suffering (blisters), they will quit. If they focus on the higher purpose (stars), they will continue.
"The old net catches no fish."
Tools and methods must be updated. Relying on worn-out traditions or technologies that no longer work leads to starvation. It balances the respect for tradition with the practical need for innovation.
"Destiny is the wind, but you steer the canoe."
This resolves the tension between fate and free will. While we cannot control the circumstances we are born into (the wind), we have the agency to navigate through them. We are active participants in our fate, not passive victims.
"Rest is part of the work."
In a warrior culture, rest is strategic. One cannot be strong without recovery. This validates taking time to recuperate as a productive activity, not laziness.
"The fruit that ripens last is often the sweetest."
Late bloomers have their own value. Things that take longer to develop often have a depth and quality that quick successes lack. It encourages patience with oneself and others who may be "slow to ripen."
"Every day is a new shark tooth."
Shark teeth are constantly replaced; they are always sharp and new. This implies that every day brings a fresh opportunity to be sharp, effective, and dangerous (in a positive, powerful sense). It is a call to daily renewal.
"Death is not the extinguishing of the light; it is putting out the lamp because the dawn has come."
A profound view of mortality. It reframes death not as an end to consciousness, but as a transition into a greater light. It offers a peaceful perspective on the end of life, suggesting it is a natural progression into a higher state of being.
Conclusion
The wisdom of the Marquesas Islands is as rugged and enduring as the volcanic peaks of Nuku Hiva. These proverbs do not merely offer advice; they provide a survival guide for the soul. They teach us that true strength lies in resilience, that we are never truly alone if we honor our ancestors, and that the ocean of life—though vast and sometimes terrifying—is meant to be navigated with courage.
In a world that is increasingly disconnected and fast-paced, the "Land of Men" reminds us to slow down, listen to the wind, respect our community, and stand firm like the Tiki. Whether you are facing a personal storm or seeking a deeper connection with your own heritage, let these words be the stars that guide your canoe.
Which of these Marquesan proverbs resonated with your spirit the most? Does the warrior's path speak to you, or perhaps the whisper of the ancestors? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
FURTHER READING
- The Way of the Warrior: 100 Maori Proverbs from Aotearoa
- Aloha Spirit: 100 Hawaiian Proverbs on Peace and Harmony
- Island Mysticism: The Ancient Wisdom of Tahitian Proverbs