What happens if we live in a society without instilling our own ancestral values? Perhaps we will live in darkness without getting any benefits. Of course, we also have to instill confidence in understanding the proverbs taught by our ancestors. Without all of that we will only burden the work without getting a benefit. In Javanese culture, there is a saying that talks about this. Ngajari Bebek Nglangi or in English, Teaching Ducks to Swim.
Does Sahabat Javanology know the meaning of this proverb? The proverb Ngajari Bebek Nglangi means pegawean sing ora ana paedahe or in English means work that has no benefits. In other words, although we have tried our best without providing any benefit or ending in vain. For example, if we advise people who are already smart, maybe we will not be heard and in the end it will end in vain, like teaching a duck to swim, even though the duck is already good at swimming.
When we talk realistically, of course we as humans expect a reciprocal relationship from others. When we give something we also definitely expect something both material, and just gratitude and thanks. We will definitely be disappointed if we have mobilized everything we have but instead we don’t get anything. The proverb ngajari bebek nglangi is the answer to our efforts. Let us not sacrifice our efforts without knowing what we will get.
Author: David Aria Wijaya
