Haraka haraka haina baraka is a Swahili proverb that translates as "hurry, hurry has no blessing" It is equivalent to the English proverb "Haste makes waste", but it's so much cooler.

If you go to Swahili speaking countries (and you are used to the western way of life), you will probably be told this a lot. In the same breath you will also be told "No hurry in Africa" and pole pole (meaning slowly slowly). This is because we are always rushing, while in Africa they have already realised that nothing good will come out of rushing.

The point is, in Africa (I lived in Kenya, so even though I am generalising, I speak from experience), this is more than just a proverb. It is a way of life.

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