Herbs And Proverbs

The proverb heading Ushaw Moor Facebook today is open to scrutiny and argument.  It goes ''The palest ink is better that the best memory''. It is a Chinese proverb, and for some that gives it added credence, but should it? What does this proverb mean? Does it mean that written evidence is better than the best memory? What do you think? I am interested to hear your viewpoint. To me the reference to ink being pale probably suggests that we are meant to think that contemporaneous evidence is more reliable than the sharp memory that brings forth comment and  judgement well after an event.

The main problem with pale ink papers is that we are at the mercy of the writer, both in terms of motive and intellect. That can also apply to oral memory but a proverb that seems to, at all times, compare a good memory unfavourably with old written evidence can be misleading. It can be wrong.

 Chinese herbs are sometimes sold as medicine but not all of them have been subjected to scientific scrutiny. No doubt some have value  but do all of them have the value attributed to them? In short be wary of proverbs and be sure of your herbs.

There is a an undiluted Valley memory coming up so do be gentle with me; I am still recovering from the bruises. I liked the red roses though. 

WB