25 Life Lessons from the Anglo-Saxons

Old English literature is filled with statements about how one should live their life. From religious texts to business advice, warrior codes and even cautionary phrases about mead drinking. There was clearly a reverence towards education and wise people during those times.
The great Anglo Saxon King Alfred was renowned for his wisdom and had various religious and philosophical texts translated into to English. He believed his kingdom had gone into decline when it came to education and sort to restore it and push his people even further. He was considered to be an expert counsellor and is said to have created his own collection of proverbs which have been cited in "The Owl and The Nightingale."
I created this video after reading a range of maxims and proverbs from the Anglo Saxon period. I extracted the lessons to create 25 rules for life. A reimagining of the texts for a modern audience. I hope you enjoy this insight into the wisdom of Old England.
Sources:
The Durham Proverbs
The proverbs are considered to have been used to document everyday business of the people of Anglo-Saxon England.
The Exeter Book
This is the largest (and perhaps oldest) known collection of Old English poetry/literature still in existence.
Written by us.
Voice-over by: Nicky Rebelo
Music: Voice of an Angel 3 Alexander Nakarada
Voice of an Angel 2 Alexander Nakarada
Further reading: aclerkofoxford.blogspot.com/p...
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[@saxon..falkenhayn2908]

Warm greetings to my English brothers from Deutschland 🇩🇪 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@julieobrien8252]

And sisters

[@Angelcynn_2001]

Cheers brother. We are both of Saxon blood

[@KaimarkLifestyle]

Kind regards from Germany to our brothers in England.

[@EdgyDabs47]

Germanic brothers 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇩🇪

[@dannyjames8894]

Our Germanic blood runs thick Brother, Good day to you.

[@user-ct1je6xf6z]

Der Mann from Deutschland.

[@dannyjames8894]

@@user-ct1je6xf6z From England myself.

[@patriciabailey1937]

Would you extend your good wishes to sisters?

[@glendapeterson1180]

I feel proud of my Anglo-Saxon ancestors and proud of my heritage. May I not disappoint them.

[@PepeSnow]

You will not don't worry fellow Anglo ( Insert the saint George's cross flag)

[@simmdevereaux3344]

I’m Native American and Anglo Saxon, after learning more about both my heritages, I’m equally proud to be known as both

[@jodders619]

"There are rules and there are principles. Rules exist for those who can't or wont understand the principle." - my Dad.

[@jackwhitehead5233]

Damn, that's pretty good. Legit screenshotting that.

[@jodders619]

@@jackwhitehead5233 It's one of my favourite quotes of all time. You're more than welcome to use it. It makes me smile that people will be using quotes from Dad after he passed away a few years ago.

[@jackwhitehead5233]

@@jodders619 it's an honour to repeat his wisdom to my friends and family. Thank you for permission.

[@babagandu]

@@jodders619 Who smelt it dealt it

[@bhikjohnson88]

World is filled with big houses and small conversations nowadays... let alone the "integrity" principles which we real men prey for daily 🤝

[@johnbyrne2127]

"Only a mediocre person is always at his best." - Somerset Maugham.

[@Mr__Chicken]

What does that mean? Is he saying that average people are the best?

[@XonixDerps]

@@Mr__Chicken i just assumed its someone who isnt going full on at all times and always ready to give it their all when needed

[@maxinecole-ball1987]

Saint Michael the arch angel

[@vinayk7]

@@Mr__Chicken It means only a cup which thinks it's isn't full can be "filled" (remember 2012 monk scene?)

[@andrewh5457]

Set your sights low, avoid disappointment.

[@Ng-zg4dq]

England need this more than ever

[@johnbyrne2127]

"The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it." - John Ruskin.

[@zackg-s6591]

It is no coincidence that the Anglo-Saxons are as sophisticated and prosperous as they have become and been for so many countless years. The archaic philosophies of their ancestors still do impact the way in which they operate; and their wisdom is as powerful as can be. Do not disregard their culture for post-modernistic reasons. They have worked very hard for their achievements.

[@samwallaceart288]

I'm interested to reconnect with Anglo-Saxon culture, as I feel that'd help give context to why Western philosophy is what it is. I'm not about to act like I can take credit for my distant ancestors, but it's good to track the thread of what cultural thinking came from where, and for what context and purpose it was originally thought up.

[@barkershill]

It seems we were all taught at school that the period of history between the collapse of the Roman Empire and the arrival of the Normans was a completely Dark age , a period of chaos and ignorance , when England was entirely populated by illiterate savages , when hardly anything was written down ,and if it was it was false and inaccurate . I have only recently discovered that none of this is entirely true .

[@GratefulToday]

[1:44] "Drinking mead only leaves you with a greater thirst, we are seldom satisfied by the external" Very powerful.

[@doiknowyou3451]

can you please explain?

[@GratefulToday]

@@doiknowyou3451 For me, it's a reminder that external materialistic goods are never enough, and will never satisfy my spiritual needs.

[@doiknowyou3451]

@@GratefulToday Jesus is the answer mate

[@Tiz604]

What you need to take in externally into your body to achieve gratification internally . Although Alcohol can be useful to the spirit if used properly ..fast and then drink to obtain a link to the God's . This is usually done on your own . If it is not achieved then try Tarot cards . Different tools for different people.

[@nortlicht]

@@doiknowyou3451 It's hard to find happiness in us, and it's quite impossible to find it anywhere else.

[@brewinzamudio23]

"Hope is the driftwood that will prevent you from drowning in sorrow, hold on to stay afloat"

[@grondhero]

Just watched a video talking about how "instant gratification" is a weakness. First quote here: If you seek happiness, master the art of patience, for this is half the battle. This day is just getting better.

[@WeAreAllOneNature]

Some nice synchronicity for you there.

[@olympusentertainment2638]

And being weak is being evil.

[@lifetruly573]

I really lack of patience resulting to my fall down. Now, I learn that everything is a process.

[@livysardothien5745]

@@olympusentertainment2638 I don't wanna be weak anymore! I take my power back! Sorry for being loud. Just tryna empower meself. Have a good day.

[@judgeberry6071]

@@WeAreAllOneNature It's called a KZbin coincidence.

[@WeAreAllOneNature]

0:44 ''The voices of our greatest teachers are always available for counsel, should you call upon them.''

[@josh3252]

Force ghosts

[@BlazRa]

Its talkin about summoning ancestor spirits to ask them questions

[@adrianfisher3349]

@@BlazRa It's about books of wisdom and other truths from great minds of the past and present.

[@BlazRa]

@@adrianfisher3349 it's about that as well something can be about more than one thing

[@johnbyrne2127]

"I am always ready to learn although I do not always like being taught." - Winston Churchill.

[@draphotube4315]

The guy of this quote as a war criminal no?

[@messianic_scam]

Churchill was sick man I wouldn't take from him

[@andrewcharles6489]

“War criminal” or not. He lead through a dark period in time. Plus it doesn’t make it any less true.

[@draphotube4315]

@@andrewcharles6489 no need to put it in " for he surely was. May be true for him, and those who follow aren't a light in dark times shouldn't be leading.

[@andrewcharles6489]

@@draphotube4315 even if he was, does it make it any less true….that’s the point I’m making. Reality is that in order to defeat monsters, you have to have a bit of monster in yourself. Willing to do what is necessary to achieve victory especially at those stakes. If hitler said “cancer will kill you if given the chance”…..would that be wrong information to listen to as he did what he did?

[@billiondollarsclub8011]

The dear person that's reading this, we don't know each other but I wish you all the best in life❤ don't ever blame yourself, accept things and go forward. Your smile is precious and a key to a happy life...

[@bobbypittman3130]

Thank you I accept your best wishes

[@mobius118th-]

Thank you, friend. I hope good fortune never leaves you aside.

[@rokuwalbridge]

Thank you, I feel alone

[@cosndc]

Thank you. Likewisefir sure..

[@cosndc]

Likewise I am sure

[@RumiWrites]

"Though you may be praised by the crowd , do not be too quick to believe them ." Nice collection 🌟

[@kiwiboiianzac3572]

I belong to the Anglosphere. I am proud Anglo-Saxon, Jute, Frisian, Briton 😎👍

[@cesargil5997]

No wonder they became great nations. This is a keeper. One should check these lessons regularly.

[@stevehaire6324]

It doesn't matter what colour the bedroom walls are, I'll have my eyes closed most of the time. - My dad.

[@JD-tm4ee]

Nice one or how about,. " Don't say nothing and no one will be the wiser" - your mom...... ( just joking!) 😆

[@JamesRDavenport]

Never be a motorboat mouth attached to a rowboat ass. -- My Dad.

[@justsaynototaxes672]

Dick don't know pretty or ugly, fat or thin, race, wealth, education, or location Dick only knows warm and wet! Dock don't have eyes for a reason.

[@thephonfoundation4920]

I once had a room with Purple and Teal walls. Trust me it does matter! It drove me nuts.

[@biliusmaximus9510]

The greatest treasure in life is Doge coin - Stacey Dooley

[@ScribaeEducantum]

"If you really want to do something, you'll find a way. If you don't, you'll find an excuse." -- Jim Rohn Great channel and great content 👌

[@Htrac]

I wish we still lived in a society with these values. We are so lost.

[@Jill-rd5cj]

I'm seriously writing each one of these down, putting them on index cards and putting them up ALL around the house. Absolutely amazing that even so many years ago, every word still rings true to this day.

[@04Redeemed]

You can find all of them throughout the Bible too, and even more profound than these.

[@lillelinne63]

That's a good idea Jill!

[@Ellis_B]

Nutter post it notes everywhere

[@wegfarir1963]

@@04Redeemed Even better ones in the Poetic Edda

[@fobbitoperator3620]

Reminds me of Marcus Aurelius' "Meditations of Stoicism." This is life!

[@pipewelda]

So proud of Our people!

[@jal8113]

“The more you try and defend your case, the less people will believe you” So true, even cops are taught by psychologists to be wary of people who over answer a question with a lot off unnecessary information to distance themselves from wrong doing and essentially absolve themselves from a crime they are suspected of committing. Be to the point and be confident with your answers.

[@booksteer7057]

"I fear nothing when I am in the right." Lou Costello in "Jack and the Beanstalk" :-)

[@leeingram6292]

We English have our own philosophy just as deep and meaningful as anyone elses.

[@devonsandner5362]

I believe you believe that

[@devonsandner5362]

Don't forget 1776 when we sent you home

[@nortlicht]

It is the misfortune of the earth that the stupid are so safe and the clever are full of doubt. -chin. Proverb

[@InceyWincey]

@@devonsandner5362 American independence was the greatest expression of the British love of liberty. It was celebrated in many of the papers over here. Publicly it was extremely popular, the only opposition to it was political.

[@richb3802]

@@devonsandner5362 What's your problem then?

[@QuotesArticles]

In the midst of the darkness, know that you are the light! Shine brighter 🔥🌟😇

[@user-pz5ty2qz8k]

There is a unique quality making anglo-saxons ruling the world and it's a clear view on themselves without arrogance or fullish proud

[@connorstar164]

Do not be too quick to rejoice nor to despair, keep a firm hand on your emotions until circumstances are fully brought to light. - Durham Proverbs

[@krismichaels6345]

Anglo-Saxon pride

[@BuriedFlame]

Lesson 1: Stab with the pointy end.

[@threethrushes]

Lesson 2: place the big, wooden oval in front of you.

[@anthonyrobinson6590]

@@threethrushes Lesson 3: Raise your beard when eating soup.

[@threethrushes]

@@anthonyrobinson6590 Lesson 4: Wear the pig's intestine with wenches.

[@samkat3303]

Lesson 4..bee Grateful

[@biliusmaximus9510]

Never trust a Celt or a Pict

[@kyleburrow3351]

Feels like I'm meditating with the Greybeards on top of High Hrothgar in Skyrim. Good stuff

[@JordySword]

Read them aloud while listening to skyrim atmospheres. :D

[@sorrysirmygunisoneba]

Awesome video. Proud of my fellow Anglo Saxons

[@Mayo_Lawrence]

A wise man once said "Never listen to other people's opinion or word, everyone has a different lives to live,so live it to its fullest at your own peace"

[@eyesofthecervino3366]

Imma ignore that. Is that a good start?

[@blackpantherpanther5136]

well said dude!

[@dtcdtc8328]

When Tyranny becomes Law Rebellion becomes Duty Thomas Jefferson

[@rickquesada925]

The New World Order is in for a surprise.

[@privatprivat7279]

@@rickquesada925 😌 ignorance is bliss

[@maaz322]

Thomas Jefferson held those sentiments, but he did not actually say those words. He said something similar in several sentences, but nothing near the snappy quote above. “The spirit of resistance to government is so valuable on certain occasions, that I wish it to be always kept alive,” he wrote in 1787. “It will often be exercised when wrong, but better so than not to be exercised at all. I like a little rebellion now and then. It is like a storm in the atmosphere.” Notice how wordy Jeffersons' quote is. He definitely didn't produce that short concise quote you elicited.

[@dtcdtc8328]

@NEO IS ONE And 600K White Men and boys died fighting that Tyranny. " it was a crime to shoot a deer on the Crowns land in England, those caught were sent to the "New World", America, as slaves for punishment, oh they were White people.

[@samkat3303]

@@dtcdtc8328 Irishmen

[@leonelpereira8831]

Man I could listen that voice for hours

[@Space_Drifter0621]

"Failure is the best master, never be scared to meet it" -Own

[@ReveredDead]

The 9th one is so deep and so true. Just like diamonds. They cannot shine with such brilliance without intense heat and pressure.

[@user-jb3ip6bi3p]

The people we call Anglo-Saxons were actually immigrants from northern Germany and southern Scandinavia. Bede, a monk from Northumbria writing some centuries later, says that they were from some of the most powerful and warlike tribes in Germany. Bede names three of these tribes: the Angles, Saxons and Jutes.

[@54356776]

Really trustworthy then...

[@jonsmith20766]

Hail our ancestors.

[@Perun944]

@@54356776 He is.

[@redwaldcuthberting7195]

@@54356776 Can you prove he wasn't? Sure he may have had bias at times but that doesn't mean he didn't share with us true knowledge. Modern Historians impart their own bias on history like Francis Pryor who said there was no big Anglo-Saxon migration but the Britons just swapped to Germanic customs and language, however, genetics doesn't go with what he says, a study from last year mentioned that there was an up to 70 percent replacement by incoming Germanic migrants on the at coast of Britain, a 2016 study aid we're 20-40 percent Anglo-Saxon.

[@gregorystewart2936]

The strongest feeling of wisdom comes with knowledge, hou cannot attain wisdom without it... Before you speak, think, before you scream, think, before you do anything let your thoughts be your guide. Don't let your anger or any feeling lead your life. Only patience and hope can give you knowledge in time, wisdom is a gift at the end of each road.

[@PratibhaRaut333]

In ancient eastern traditions, 'a guru' would firstly test the integrity of their 'students' before disseminating knowledge to them because students had to be worthy enough to earn it. It's the same philosophy as the third one you shared in this video.

[@Arcticwind-xw6qg]

The male students you mean. All Ancient religions exclude women cause they know their nature.

[@lightsout176]

@@Arcticwind-xw6qg Except Heathenry, tho it’s no religion.

[@albundy9597]

@@lightsout176 What heathen is depends on your religion, a man worshiping a tree would think your christian believes were merely heathen worship. You are not so different from an atheist, he rejects all the 3,000 religions in the world whereas you only reject 2,999.

[@lightsout176]

@@albundy9597 I can see where you’re coming from. But you’re associating the pagan connotation to Heathenry which is basically family. Where the woman and therefore children’s lives are placed higher in importance. Goddesses are worshipped and the Divine mind of light is female. That’s why I said what I said. Jesus is son of the light, Satan is son of the Dawn…they are the same being, trying to awaken man, because we are born having forgotten who we are. This is pre Christian. The Bible is polytheistic, there’s many in it, even 13 Demi Gods that shaped civilizations. Jesus rebukes the main God in the Old Testament several times. I can give you scripture if you like. Religion is just man trying to explain the supernatural, I hope I have enlightened you.

[@albundy9597]

@@lightsout176 I knew that already, in fact I have read up on so many religions, philosophies and spiritual teachings that I have decided that no matter how logical some may seem or how deep a subjective spiritual experience may have been it is apparent that nobody knows anything objectively, only the self can assume to know but that is alright because it doesn't really matter.

[@tommynodder5656]

Dear page owner, thanks for posting this. You’re helping people out that you’d never know. Respect from a Durham resident.🙏

[@Readinglovepoems]

Gold words! I understood one thing: when enemies do not have loyal friends, they begin to hate those who have such loyal friends and strive with all their might to provoke an argument, in order to then destroy centuries-old friendship and prove to people with a golden soul that those they slandered We always argued with them and thus are unworthy to be called the best and wise, because when we come into conflict with fools, we condescend to their level. It is better to avoid fools on your way and not communicate with them at all. They must spend their whole lives talking or arguing only with representatives of their education...

[@OriginalRaveParty]

And this is why Anglo Saxon ancestors became some of Earth's greatest leaders.

[@OriginalRaveParty]

@NEO IS ONE This is an Anglo Saxon video

[@OriginalRaveParty]

@NEO IS ONE For you. I know that there have been decent leaders from everywhere, but your comment is completely irrelevant on a video specifically discussing Anglo Saxon wisdom. Stay irrelevant.

[@mikecalvert206]

How have all ancestors been great leaders? What are you gibbering about?

[@motivation7647]

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther king Jr.

[@this.handle.is.alreadytaken]

"Take off your jacket inside. Else you won't feel the benefit when you go out." - Every Grandparent.

[@petecampbell3929]

I appreciate what this channel is and what it’s doing it’s best to say

[@jonhart4563]

You always have the best voices for these.

[@OzLeedsCrew]

“You’d have made a pretty good cowboy yourself, Hans.” John McClane

[@HisRoyalMajestyKingofWeedshire]

My favorite Christmas movie

[@kristandagley7089]

So happy when you post a new video. Thank you so much. So much beauty... Number three is too true.

[@zazenh]

Excellent. This channel is a real treasure. Thank you

[@sensi247]

This is bang on. Thanks for the upload. So true for the times we live in. Love & unity ✌

[@NinjaKuma]

"Gravity does not prevent pregnancy." Such wisdom.

[@coopsevy5664]

This made my hair on my neck stand on edge. Every day I live with this wisdom, every day I shed the tears of those who passed in the millions before me.. , every day 1 battle of faith, 1 battle to believe wraps away upon those with the lie in the holders eye.. The battle of waves to those left behind do from greed, blinded by drink of wasted energy and forgotten ones energies who speak when time stands still, the energy feel and heard with no voice of sounds, 1 soul who moves through time collecting only the strong with the gift of sight to hold, to build, to one day come together as 1.. one soul of collections by others, memories of energies from our Kings, Queen to those we hide in the face of all to see.. Never loose sight to those who built your soul to be, the hands of depiction will once again be brought until to those as teachers to truth, kindness and love until this day the cast we carry will not be a burden of lost but a burden of sorrow they left behind for those to gain.. No more hiding, raise up! Use there energy that's grown within, stand tall over the blind who cast those out, smile and feel no shame however the smile let it me cast upon those to who collect gain to ensure a burden upon energy.. Cast them away, allow the pain to be wash over you with energies like body's of the sea the energy of elements.. As one body of unsighted sea of waves bring education and blessing so will the dark sea if waste, as one wave tide rolls in allow the casted doubt and share pull from you and those of the past be whisped out to sea as the wave recedes.

[@lovealways2609]

patience is bitter, but it's fruit is sweet

[@mandie3049]

Such sound advice. I can only imagine what our times will say to the people of the future.

[@WAYBeYond1985]

So blessed reading this lessons 👍👍👍

[@Uhaul-wg5fj]

Thank-you, this was healing!

[@TheGallifreyanWitch]

A lot of wisdom and feels just what i needed right now: they inspire strength within one to weather whatever happens

[@wyaneone4162]

These words are soo powerful I love it

[@BeMindfulLalit]

Thanks for motivating us

[@christopherhough1342]

Thanku for your words of wisdom peace love and light x

[@Ubiquitous_le]

I can't stop listening this

[@Ubiquitous_le]

@WhatsApp➕➊➌➊➎➋➒➊0➎0➑ hello you really inspire me

[@hphoenix7974]

Powerful truths to live by, thank you ✨ 🙏

[@barbarafisher1963]

mighty truths to feed our souls coming from the misty past of our ancestors, we will not forget...

[@xanfortunato]

The channel continues to be excellent.

[@kimberlycleesattle4796]

I needed this today

[@crystellik]

“Tread Carefully When Your Gauntlet Is Full” Going to remember that one

[@user-gh6sn3wd7v]

these are pretty stoic, impressive

[@bettyhaines2570]

Thank you ❤ and light

[@Angels_surround_me]

LOVED THIS ! 🌟👍

[@connorstar164]

If there is no enemy within, the enemy outside can do you no harm. - African proverb Similar to... No one is to be called an enemy, all are your benefactors, and no one does you harm. You have no enemy except yourselves. - St Francis

[@sassyclassy8943]

I just discover your channel now, while scrolling something to watch in yt. Finally I found an informative channel where I can get lessons as well. But I'll be glad if you could also explain the meaning of those sayings and poems. I know we have different interpretations but maybe atleast a key words will help to understand more ☺️

[@lovealways2609]

we learn when we listen not when we speak

[@bloodshadow7082]

I love this channel this insight is what we all need to survive with the increasing Homelessness, Food shortage, and no Money to spend. We should all focus on the Ancient ways of our Ancestors to better our selves

[@jamesafridi8351]

Great lesson in wisdom

[@pagol71]

very powerful video thanks for the upload...❤️

[@cyndisabo-cook2414]

I absolutely love this.

[@mansoormattil1264]

Wonderful... meaningful.. wisely said 👌

[@TheComfortadors]

This is my favorite KZbin channel 🙌🏽🔥💕

[@ash8207]

Very interesting wisdom indeed!

[@greyhatanonymous3633]

Lmao, "Troubled is he who rows upstream" that hit close to home, this old man a savage😅

[@LanceVanTine]

Looking forward to when you do one all of Solomon! I know it’s coming 😄 Grateful for these! Keep doing great work 👊

[@deezneez-azmysoulbreakzfre749]

Beautifully and none truer said. Thank you ✨

[@nickkearney6282]

Wowderful. How true.

[@philkim2328]

I live and breathe these sayings.

[@opportunityknox8575]

Brilliant, thank you 🙏

[@SureJungle23247]

Wow, great quotes, still very relivant for today's world. Like the one about keeping your gained insights.

[@ENIGMAXII2112]

Very good indeed, and thank you..

[@travelandlifestylevlogs3850]

Beautiful

[@Solidarity1024]

Thank you.

[@happinessloveyoursmile]

Wonderful

[@leornendeealdenglisc]

Powerful video

[@taylorahern3755]

Words to live by & according to❤❤

[@stevencoble2887]

Thank you 🙏

[@dantefernandodantezambrano7910]

"A determined man always looks straightforward, but the indecisive one stops at the middle of the road, and looks back" DF

[@meditationsoothingsleeprel9578]

I am praying for everyone who needs a miracle. Only God can do the impossible, He can make a way when there seems to be no way. Today I pray God touches your health, your home, your family, your faith and your finances.

[@johngarry3723]

Same, I wish God helps you and all those looking for it.

[@Amp661]

God is right there next to you, and he is not found in churches or the bible.

[@jasondigman1167]

Thank you

[@JudgeJulieLit]

And > poem Beowulf, "Wyrd oft saveth eorl undoomed, if he doughty bee." In Modern English, "Fate often saves the undoomed earl, if he be courageous, fight well undauntedly."

[@rayrocher6887]

thanks - i appreciate most of them , i am a scholar , not a sailor, but learned lessons if in context . my predecessors wiser than me. longevity. think of other - who suffered before me. - learn form other , mistakes.