Good Reads: A feather in hand is better than a bird in the air.

 The saying "A feather in hand is better than a bird in the air" emphasizes the value of having something certain and tangible over the allure of something uncertain or unattainable. It suggests that it is better to hold onto something small but guaranteed than to pursue something grand but elusive.

Explanation

A Feather in Hand: This represents a small but certain asset or advantage that is securely within your grasp. It symbolizes something real and dependable.

A Bird in the Air: This symbolizes an opportunity or potential that is attractive but not yet within reach. It represents something desirable but uncertain and possibly out of grasp.

The essence of this proverb lies in valuing the certainty and reliability of what you already have over the risk and uncertainty of chasing something that may not materialize. It reflects the wisdom of appreciating and making the most of what is assured rather than risking it for an uncertain gain.

 Story Example

Title: The Wise Merchant and the Golden Parrot

In a bustling town in ancient India, there was a prosperous merchant named Ravi. Ravi was known for his prudent decisions and wise investments. One day, he acquired a beautiful feather from a rare bird, which was a prized possession among collectors. This feather, though small, was valuable and symbolized his successful trade deals.

One morning, Ravi heard of a golden parrot that was said to grant immense wealth to its owner. The parrot was rumored to be somewhere in the dense forests nearby, and many adventurers were eager to capture it. The parrot was a magnificent sight, but its existence was uncertain and it was difficult to catch.

Ravi was tempted by the allure of the golden parrot and considered venturing into the forest to capture it. However, he was aware of the risks involved. The journey was fraught with danger, and there was no guarantee that he would find the parrot or that it would bring the promised wealth.

Instead, Ravi chose to hold onto his prized feather. He recognized that while the feather was modest, it was a tangible asset he already possessed. The feather represented his current success and stability. He made the wise decision to continue investing in his existing ventures, which were secure and profitable.

As time passed, many who had pursued the elusive golden parrot faced hardships and failed in their quest. Some lost their resources, while others returned empty-handed. Meanwhile, Ravi’s wise choice to value the certainty of the feather over the uncertain promise of the parrot allowed him to continue prospering.

Ravi’s story became a lesson in the town. It illustrated that while the allure of a grand opportunity might be tempting, the wisdom often lies in appreciating and valuing what you already have. A small but certain asset, like the feather, is often more beneficial and dependable than chasing an uncertain and potentially unattainable dream.

In the end, Ravi’s decision to prioritize the tangible and reliable over the uncertain exemplified the proverb that having something certain and valuable in hand is often better than pursuing an elusive and uncertain opportunity.