The Blind Man Who Lay Down Rises Up Strange
Our elders say that if you get too close to a person or an environment, you will be influenced by them. The proverb “He who sleeps with the blind wakes up blind” illustrates exactly this situation. A person’s behaviors, habits, and thoughts can spread to those around them, much like a common cold.
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Where Does It Come From?
The origin of this proverb lies in ancient beliefs about eye diseases. In the past, people believed that illnesses could be transmitted from one person to another. It was thought that spending too much time with someone who had poor vision or strabismus might cause the same condition to develop in the other person. Of course, we now know this is not medically accurate. However, the proverb continues to be used today to convey its true meaning: the contagious nature of bad habits.
Origin and Meaning?
This proverb emphasizes how a person’s circle of friends and companions can shape their character, behavior, and even their future. For example, if you spend a lot of time with a friend who neglects their studies and does not complete their homework, you too may begin to drift away from your academic responsibilities. Conversely, if you spend time with a friend who constantly reads books and enjoys learning new things, you may become more curious and open to learning yourself.
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How Is It Used in Daily Life?
We often use this proverb to warn someone. For instance, when someone says, “Don’t spend too much time with that friend—he who sleeps with the blind wakes up blind,” they are implying that you might be influenced by that person’s negative habits. This saying reminds us that the people around us, whether positively or negatively, can shape who we become. It therefore underscores the importance of being careful in choosing our friends.
