Every village has always had people whose main occupation seemed to be meddling in the lives of others. And when they had nothing to retell, they would invent stories, just to make sure their day didn't pass without someone else's name on their lips.

Most often, those targeted were precisely those who minded their own business, earned honestly, and had no time to occupy themselves with others’ lives.

And the talk, once it started from person to person, rarely remained as it was at the beginning.

But there were also people who did not believe every talk and did not pass judgment on others lightly. One of them was Grandpa Zulal, one of those old Labunishta residents who learned wisdom not from books, but from life and people.

Although he had moved to Struga about fifty years ago, he remained strongly connected to Labunishta, to his fellow villagers, and to everything that happened among them. He knew the people, their families, and old houses well, but he also knew human nature well.

He knew that in every place there are people who deal more with others' lives than with their own. One would say something, another would add, a third would convey it as if they had seen it with their own eyes — and thus a small talk could grow into a whole story.

For such talks, Grandpa Zulal would simply say:

— Ah, grandson, people are like this: if you have a tail, they will tear it off; if you don't, they will attach one.

In those few words, there was more life experience than it seemed at first glance.

If a person has a weakness, there will always be someone to notice it, exaggerate it, and publicize it. And if there is nothing to find fault with, someone will invent something just to have something to talk about.

Therefore, a person should not spend life justifying themselves before everyone and chasing every gossip.

Dignity is preserved by an honest life, a clean reputation, and a peaceful conscience.

And this wisdom is not just a lesson for the one being talked about. It is a lesson for those who speak, listen, and relay it. Because it is not only the inventor who is responsible, but also the one who believes and spreads the talk without checking.

A person defends themselves best from others’ words through their own life, and a community is best known by how it protects the honor of its people when they are not present.

✍️ Jakub Kazimoski

From the series: “Wisdom of the Old Labunishta Residents”