Old Sayings Often Tell Simple Truths

'"They say...", something that's supposed to be helpful or inspiring or funny or historic or clever or supportive or daft.

Some sayings seem contradictory. Not looking a gift horse in the mouth whilst looking before you leap sounds confusing.

Some sound unlikely bits of advice such as, "They say that you should always use freshly drawn water when boiling water for tea". You needn't. But you can, so 'they' should say that then.

And some advice sounds trite and wishy-washy, "Where there's a will there's a way", being an example of something 'they' might say to someone who needs encouragement in an endeavor. It doesn't sound that practical.

But I think it's worth examining this one a bit closer.

Is this saying, in the main, true? Yes, is what I would say.

Solutions usually can be found for most problems. This requires will. How much will? However much is absolutely needed or however much feels good or better or stops you feeling worse. Or: do you have to do something or do you want to do something?

Much will would arise if you are thirsty because it's a natural urge of the body to take in water. You need to drink. A will could exist to avoid drinking alcohol so as to be fit to clean the house. But you don't want to clean the house. You don't have to clean the house. There may not be any will there. Even if it really really needs doing.

It can be hard to know where to draw the line - if you don't clean the house the landlord may evict you. But that still creates no urgent need. You may not want to sleep in the gutter but you could.

So when might will be created when there's no urge? Good question and I will attempt to tackle it after a rest. It is Christmas.