"A rolling stone gathers no moss." It's an old proverb, credited to Publilius Syrus, who wrote, "People who are always moving, with no roots in one place, avoid responsibilities and cares." As such, the proverb is often interpreted as referring to figurative nomads who avoid taking on responsibilities or cultivating or advancing their own knowledge, experience, or culture.
Then again ~
Another interpretation equates the "moss" to "stagnation"; as such the proverb can also refer to those who keep moving as never lacking for fresh ideas or creativity.
So which is it? Always moving - avoiding responsibilities, or always on the move - never lacking fresh ideas?
Today's the big, exciting day to see who has revealed their A2Z Challenge theme. What's your theme??
Great post Dixie, I wonder if Mick Jagger gathered any moss?
ReplyDeleteI don't know, Yvonne, but he sure could kick up some dirt :)
DeleteYeah, I like the more figurative definition of "never lacking for fresh ideas or creativity." I think that represents the way I interpret the proverb.
ReplyDeleteSounds more flattering at least. And certainly when I visit your blog home, I'm impressed :)
DeleteI have certainly moved a lot in my life. But no I don't really have any responsibilities.
ReplyDeleteSurprise, surprise, I will be writing about food in my A to Z posts.
Jo, I shall have my file ready for your recipe shares! It will be amazing :)
DeleteThe rolling stone can be anything you want, as long as it requires constant effort. Once you stop trying, the stagnation starts.
ReplyDeleteUh-oh, you teach the teacher - good for you :)
DeleteI like moss, it's comfy and keeps the earth from getting barren from the rain and wind
ReplyDeleteI like it too, Dezmond. A neighbor brought me a very long strip of bark that has moss growing along it. I put it in my little shade garden. :))
DeleteMay one rolls with the punches and the punches gets the moss off?
ReplyDeleteHmm, well, Pat, I like that!
DeleteMakes me think of those lyrics -- "Papa was a rolling stone / Wherever he laid his hat / was his home." Irresponsible!
ReplyDeleteWow! I'd forgotten about that song. Battle idea! :)
DeleteDixie, I'm doing the challenge, but am looking forward to what others do with this theme. I think I choose to think that those who keep moving find new adventure and creative ideas.
ReplyDeleteLinda Kay - I love your adventures; those real and imagined. You'll do really well :))
DeleteThat's a great quote by Pubicus Syrup, who probably got made fun of a LOT. What a name!
ReplyDeleteI always thought of it as I'm keeping busy and making my life's work come true so I'm not just sitting here like a lazy jerk growing moss.
Hmm, here's a comment I'll likely never forget...
DeleteProfound!
Hmmm, I didn't know the history of this proverb until now. I figured it had to do with being on the move, but not setting roots down or accepting responsibilities never crossed my mind and yet I can see it meaning this now. I sorta see how it can mean someone full of ideas, but my mind is more wrapped around the first interpretation of the proverb. Well, you already know by now what my theme is for the A2Z Challenge ~ music & my life. I'm not an expert on music, but I consider myself so on the latter subject. lol I'm heading back to bed as I've been up since 2am getting ready for my Colonoscopy this morning. Have a Montasticday
ReplyDeleteHi Cathy. Read your early blog - should be fun! Take care of you!
DeleteOops, I responded to Cathy's colonoscopy procedure as if it was yours. At any rate, Cathy, I hope it went...smoothly.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with that whole rolling stone proverb. It's stupid. Moss is sticky, regardless how fast a stone rolls.
Happy Monday, DC.
Ha! For the second time today I must say: Hmm, here's a comment I'll likely never forget...
DeleteHappy Monday, RR!
Never lacking fresh ideas! That's the way I like to think of it.
ReplyDeleteI like that too, Tyrean.
DeleteI think it means that if you keep moving, you will never stagnate....
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Dez....moss is comfy....:o)
Enjoy your evening Dixie....
Cheers!
Linda :o)
Still mulching the yard, Linda. :))
DeleteI've often been a rolling stone in my life. I tend to so with the not stagnating interpretation, but in some ways the other one has worked for my case--in a way, but not exactly.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Wrote By Rote
Like 'Abi-moss-treous'?
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