Many Ideas Open the Way: A Collection of Hmong Proverbs

From witticisms about family members to how to behave in politics, the twenty Hmong proverbs gathered in this book reflect the many facets of Hmong culture that have thrived throughout the years. These sayings give readers an insight into the way of the Hmong people, where wisdom and personal relationships are central. Each proverb is presented in its original Hmong language and also translated into English.

But the ancient proverbs are only half the story: jump off into the extraordinary as Randy Snook’s vibrant photographs blend the past with the future. Depicting each proverb are the Hmong people, dressed in traditional costume but placed in the fanciful setting of the proverb itself, where imagination prevails.

The result is a remarkable blend of the new and the old and of cultures near and far, making us realize that no matter what our ages or where our homes are, we can all share a bit of wisdom from each other.