Water Rises Boat Lifts

http://i1.hexunimg.cn/2012-04-17/140465597.jpg

Informant: Amy Zhang, 19, F

Date Collected: 5/16/14

Genre: Proverb

Informant Data: Amy was born in Los Angeles, CA and raised in Princeton, NJ. Her parents are first-generation immigrants from China who speak Mandarin at home. She currently attends Dartmouth College. She remembers learning this proverb from her mother, who was giving her advice about joining a program she felt underqualified for.

Text/Texture 

Chinese: 水涨船高 (shuǐ zhǎng chuán gāo)
Literal Translation: Water rises boat lifts

Free Translation: As the water rises, so do the boats. 

Context: In the context that Amy learned this proverb, her mother meant that she should put herself in a situation where everyone around her was smarter than her because she would then improve, as opposed to finding people who are her level or lower who will not push her to get better.

Meaning/Interpretation: In general, this proverb means that you can benefit from the skills and good fortune of your competitors and those around you. It could also mean that you should consider who you surround yourself with.