Explore the proverb “absence makes the heart grow fonder”. Does distance deepen love or create distance? Discover when the proverb applies and when it doesn’t.
A Rolling Stone Gathers No Moss: Wisdom or Wanderlust?
Explore the meaning of “a rolling stone gathers no moss.” Is it a call for stability or a nudge to embrace adventure? Discover when this proverb applies and when it might be misleading.
Is “You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks” True?
Does the proverb “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” apply to humans? We explore the science of learning, age-related limitations, and the surprising potential hidden within all of us.
“You Can’t Judge a Book by Its Cover”: Unpacking a Common Proverb
Does the proverb “You can’t judge a book by its cover” still hold water? We explore appearances, hidden depths, and the dangers of premature judgment.
“Where There’s Smoke, There’s Fire”: Truth or Paranoia?
Does the proverb “where there’s smoke, there’s fire” hold up? We explore when it’s wise caution, and when it might fuel damaging assumptions.
“When in Rome”: Decoding a Travel Proverb – Adapting vs. Compromising
Does “When in Rome” mean abandoning your own values? We explore cultural adaptability, respect, and staying true to yourself while navigating unfamiliar territory.
Does Karma Exist? Unpacking “What Goes Around Comes Around”
Does the universe keep score? We explore the truth behind “what goes around comes around,” examining real-world consequences and the power of believing in cosmic justice.
Time Heals All Wounds: Myth or Truth? Exploring a Common Proverb
The proverb “time heals all wounds” is comforting, but is it always true? We explore the nuances of this saying, when it applies, and when it doesn’t.
Unlocking the True Meaning of “Time is Money”
Explore the proverb “time is money” with insights into its meaning, appropriate use, and when a different perspective might be needed.
The True Meaning of “There’s No Place Like Home”
Explore the proverb “There’s no place like home” – its comforting message, when it applies, and situations where it might need a more nuanced approach.
Recent Posts
The Story of Literature EP5 | The Courtyard of a Thousand Tales: The Golden Age of Arabic and Persian Literature
This episode journeys into the vibrant world of the Islamic Golden Age. We’ll explore the profound influence of the Quran as a literary text, the epic scope of the Persian Shahnameh, the mystical poetry of Rumi and Hafez, and the global travels of the enchanting collection, One Thousand and One Nights.
The Story of Literature EP4 | The Brush and the Sword: Poetry and Philosophy in East Asia
Focusing on the interconnected traditions of China, Japan, and Korea, this episode explores a literature where poetry, philosophy, and governance are deeply intertwined. We’ll discuss the wisdom of Confucius, the breathtaking beauty of Tang Dynasty poetry, and the creation of the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji in Japan.
The Story of Literature EP3 | The Ocean of Stories: Epics and Wisdom of South Asia
This episode dives into the immensely rich and ancient literary traditions of the Indian subcontinent. We explore the spiritual depth of the Vedas and the Upanishads, and unravel the sprawling narratives and profound moral questions of the great epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, which continue to influence billions of lives today.
The Story of Literature EP2 | Echoes of Olympus: The Greek and Roman Foundations
We journey to ancient Greece and Rome to uncover the cornerstones of Western literature. From the epic poems of Homer and the tragedies of Sophocles to the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the poetry of Virgil, this episode explores how these classical works shaped our ideas of heroism, democracy, drama, and rhetoric.
The Story of Literature EP1 | The First Scribes: Tales from the Fertile Crescent
This episode travels back to the dawn of writing in Mesopotamia. We explore the world’s first known literary work, the Epic of Gilgamesh, and discuss how ancient civilizations in the Near East used cuneiform script not just for records, but to wrestle with the fundamental human questions of life, death, friendship, and the divine.
Author Reflection | Listening Comprehension Practice
Listen to an author reflect on their literary prize nomination. A great exercise for TOEFL/IELTS, with script, vocabulary, and a 10-question quiz to test your comprehension of personal storytelling.