“Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day.”
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This part highlights the immediate, temporary relief that comes from providing a solution without teaching the underlying skills to address the problem independently.
“Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
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This emphasizes the long-term benefits of imparting skills and knowledge, empowering individuals to provide for themselves and their communities.Origin: While often attributed to Lao Tzu, the Chinese philosopher, the phrase’s precise origin is uncertain. It’s also been mistakenly attributed to the Bible. Some online sources suggest it originated in the 19th century. One source credits Anne Isabella Thackeray Ritchie in her 1885 novel “Mrs. Dymond”.