The Cheyenne proverb, “If a man is as wise as a serpent, he can afford to be as harmless as a dove,” offers a lesson about wisdom, restraint and the difference between being peaceful and being weak.
The saying suggests that a person who is wise and alert does not need to constantly demonstrate their strength. Understanding situations, recognising potential threats and knowing when to act can give a person the confidence to remain calm rather than respond with aggression.