“The Mountain Won’t Come to Mohammed” ⛰️🏔️
Definition: An idiom meaning that if one cannot achieve their goal or desire by waiting, they must take action themselves. The apocryphal story suggests that Mohammed, unable to summon a mountain to come to him, must go to the mountain instead.
Related and Similar Terms:
- “If you can’t bring the horse to water, bring the water to the horse.”
- “You can’t wait for luck to find you; you have to create your own fate.”
- “Don’t just sit there, do something!”
Proverbs and Expressions:
- “Heaven helps those who help themselves.”
- “Fortune favors the brave.”
- “Procrastination is the thief of time.”
Common Phrases:
- “Take the initiative.”
- “Be proactive.”
- “Don’t just dream it, do it!”
Synonyms:
- Taking action
- Seizing the day
- Being proactive
Antonyms:
- Waiting passively
- Being reactive
- Procrastination
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “If the mountain won’t come to Mohammed, he’s probably using Apple Maps.” - Anon
- “Mohammed had iMessage turned off, so the mountain couldn’t share its location.”
Inspirational Quotes:
- “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” - Mark Twain
- “Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” - Albert Schweitzer
References in Literature:
- “The Canterbury Tales” by Geoffrey Chaucer – Talks about undertaking journeys and the importance of action.
- “Walden” by Henry David Thoreau – Reflects on the need for active living and self-reliance.
Suggestions for Further Reading:
- “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey
- “The Art of Taking Action: Lessons from Japanese Psychology” by Gregg Krech
References in Music and Poetry:
- “Climb Ev’ry Mountain” from “The Sound of Music” – A song about perseverance and seeking one’s dreams despite obstacles.
- “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost – A poem about making choices and taking action.
Movie References:
- “Yes Man” (2008) – A film that emphasizes seizing opportunities.
- “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006) – A real-life story of persistence and taking initiative.
### What does the idiom "The Mountain Won't Come to Mohammed" mean?
- [x] You must take action if opportunities don't come to you.
- [ ] Always expect opportunities to come your way.
- [ ] Mountains have legs and can move.
- [ ] Mohammed owned a mountain.
> **Explanation:** The idiom means that if things don't come your way, you need to make them happen by taking action.
### Which of the following idioms shares a similar meaning to "The Mountain Won't Come to Mohammed"?
- [x] Heaven helps those who help themselves.
- [ ] An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
- [ ] A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- [ ] It's raining cats and dogs.
> **Explanation:** "Heaven helps those who help themselves" conveys that taking initiative is essential, just like the idiom in question.
### True or False: "Procrastination is the thief of time" is essentially the opposite of taking action as suggested by "The Mountain Won't Come to Mohammed."
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. Procrastination means delaying action, whereas "The Mountain Won't Come to Mohammed" stresses the importance of taking action.
### Which book could inspire action similar to the message of "The Mountain Won't Come to Mohammed"?
- [x] "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey
- [ ] "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen
- [ ] "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville
- [ ] "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Brontë
> **Explanation:** "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" focuses on proactive behavior and leadership, similar to the idiom's message.
### Fill in the blank: "If the ____________ won't come to Mohammed, Mohammed must go to the ____________."
- [x] mountain; mountain
- [ ] snowflakes; flowers
- [ ] rain; umbrella
- [ ] horse; barn
> **Explanation:** The correct completion is "mountain; mountain," which completes the traditional idiom.
Sad to see you go, but keep tackling those immoveable mountains! 🌍👊💫
Arnold among the Humblefolk, 2023.
