another bizarre question

[kaigou]

I'm sure almost all of you have heard the phrase, "better to keep your mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open your mouth and prove it" (with the usual web-inflected variations). But the version I came across this afternoon in a translated novel goes like this:

Far better to ask a question and be thought a fool for a moment, than to be silent and remain a fool forever.

The context of the author's use implies that it's some kind of familiar adage, but it's an inversed version that I can't recall ever seeing before. Does anyone else recognize this version? Have any idea where it comes from, or might be able to think of a possible source? Searching the net just got me a bazillion hits on the first phrase (keep-your-mouth-shut) and none that I could see on the second.

I'd just like to be able to attribute it properly whenever I quote it, although I suppose failing any actual attribution I guess I'd just use the novelist's name instead..?

Comments

[hinotori.livejournal.com]

Japanese Proverb:
聞くは一瞬/一時の恥、聞かぬは一生の恥 - Kiku ha isshun/ichiji no haji, kikanu ha isshou no haji.
Lit. "To ask - a moment of shame, not to ask - a lifetime of shame."

:)

[kaigou.livejournal.com]

AHAH. Thank you. I should just put you on speed-dial, babe. My ultimate linguistic resource!

[hinotori.livejournal.com]

*laughs* I'm not complaining. Uh, if you should happen to need anything from Teh Japan during the next year ... you know where to find me. *grins*

Also, ICON LOVE. ♥