By the time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed

“By the time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed.”

African proverb and quote.

“By the time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed.” This proverb is basically saying that some people are so slow to learn or catch on to things that by the time they finally figure it out, it’s too late – the opportunity has already passed them by.

It compares life to a game that moves quickly. The “players” are those who are skillful, knowledgeable, or acting with purpose. But the “fool” is someone who lacks wisdom or understanding. While the players are actively engaging and making moves, the fool is still trying to learn the basic rules of the game.

By the time the person has painstakingly learned how to play, all the skilled players have already finished the game and moved on. They missed out completely because they were too late in learning what they needed to know.

So in everyday terms, this proverb warns against being the type of person who is slow on the uptake or failing to recognize opportunities when they arise. It encourages being proactive, adaptable, and always seeking to gain wisdom and understanding sooner rather than later. Otherwise, you risk letting life’s metaphorical “games” and chances pass you by while you’re still trying to figure things out. “By the time the fool has learned the game, the players have dispersed.”