When mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: The quote "When mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth" is a vivid depiction of the learning process, particularly within familial or mentorship contexts. At its core, it conveys the profound impact of observation and emulation in acquiring knowledge and skills. To unpack its meaning, let's delve into its metaphorical layers.
Imagine a serene scene: a mother cow leisurely grazing on lush grass, her young calves nearby. As she rhythmically chews, her offspring are keenly attentive, fixated on her every movement. This simple act of chewing becomes a profound lesson for the calves, for they are not merely witnessing their mother's actions but also absorbing the essence of her behavior.
In this context, the "mother-cow" represents the experienced individual or mentor, possessing wisdom and skills honed through time and practice. The act of "chewing grass" symbolizes the expertise or knowledge being demonstrated. It could be any skill, whether practical, intellectual, or emotional, that the mentor is showcasing.
The focus shifts to the "young ones," representing novices, learners, or proteges. They are inquisitive and impressionable, eager to learn and grow. By "watching its mouth," they are observing the minutiae of their mentor's actions, paying attention not only to what is being done but also how it is being done.
This act of observation is not passive but rather active and intentional. The young ones are not merely bystanders; they are actively engaged in the learning process, dissecting each movement, gesture, and nuance. Through this keen observation, they begin to internalize and understand the intricacies of the skill or knowledge being imparted.
Moreover, the metaphor implies a deep bond of trust and dependence between the mentor and the learner. The mother cow embodies nurturing and guidance, providing a safe environment for her young ones to learn and explore. Similarly, mentors play a crucial role in creating a supportive and conducive learning environment for their proteges, fostering growth and development.
Furthermore, the quote underscores the importance of role modeling in education and personal development. Children, students, or apprentices often learn more from what their elders or mentors do than from what they say. Actions speak louder than words, and the behaviors exhibited by mentors leave a lasting impression on their learners.
In essence, "When mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth" encapsulates the profound dynamics of teaching and learning. It emphasizes the power of observation, emulation, and mentorship in transmitting knowledge, skills, and values from one generation to the next. Just as the young calves learn from their mother, so too do we learn and grow through the guidance and example of those who have walked the path before us.
Who said the quote?
The quote "When mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth" is often attributed to Chinua Achebe (Bio / Quotes). Chinua Achebe was a Nigerian author and poet who is best known for his novel "Things Fall Apart.
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "When mother-cow is chewing grass its young ones watch its mouth" emphasizes the idea that young ones often learn by observing the actions of those they look up to. A historical example that vividly illustrates this concept is the training of apprentices during the Renaissance period in Europe.
During this time, skilled artisans, such as painters, sculptors, and craftsmen, played a crucial role in shaping the future of their trades. Young apprentices were typically chosen from among the most promising and enthusiastic learners. These apprentices worked closely with master artisans, often spending years observing their techniques and methods.
Take Leonardo da Vinci, one of the most celebrated artists of the Renaissance. As a young apprentice under the guidance of Andrea del Verrocchio, da Vinci observed and learned from Verrocchio's mastery in painting and sculpting. Verrocchio's meticulous approach to art, his use of perspective, and his innovative techniques were all lessons that da Vinci absorbed through careful observation. This close-up learning was instrumental in shaping Leonardo's own revolutionary contributions to art and science.
This historical example shows how young learners, much like the young cows watching their mother, absorb and emulate the skills and behaviors of those they revere, which in turn impacts their future development and contributions.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The quote can be applied in a real-life scenario through the dynamics of mentorship in the modern workplace. Consider a new employee starting at a company and working under an experienced manager. The new employee, eager to excel and integrate into the company culture, closely observes the manager’s actions, decisions, and interactions with colleagues.
If the manager demonstrates strong leadership qualities, such as effective communication, strategic problem-solving, and a supportive attitude, these are likely to be noticed and imitated by the new employee. For instance, if the manager handles conflicts with diplomacy and encourages open dialogue, the new employee is more likely to adopt similar approaches when faced with similar situations.
Furthermore, this dynamic extends to less formal settings as well. For instance, in a family, children often emulate the behaviors of their parents. If parents consistently demonstrate integrity, resilience, and kindness, their children are likely to adopt these traits as they grow up.
Thus, the quote underscores the importance of role models and their influence. In professional and personal contexts, those who exhibit positive behaviors serve as powerful examples, shaping the actions and values of those who observe them. This dynamic is essential for growth and learning, as the actions of a role model can have a lasting impact on the development and behavior of their observers.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
