Are "trite" sayings stupid, or very useful?

[Soup18]

Pride cometh before the fall
Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy wealthy and wise
Never say die

and similiar things. I think they are very useful

[Gabu]

They're useful if used in an appropriate context, but they tend to be massively overused by people who simply couldn't think of something of their own to say.

[Soup18]

They're useful if used in an appropriate context, but they tend to be massively overused by people who simply couldn't think of something of their own to say.

I'm not saying use them instead of more creative things, but the reason they are so commonly used is because they are so commonly useful.

[A18]

Never say die? Never heard that. Is that supposed to be meaningful?

[12th Doctor]

Useful.  9/10 they represent trueisms, so I can't see what is more useful than that.

Never say die? Never heard that. Is that supposed to be meaningful?

It means "Never give up".  Often used in the context of being directly applied to someone.

"He has a 'never say die' attitude".

[A18]

I don't see the connection between "die" and "give up." Why not just say never give up?

[12th Doctor]

I don't see the connection between "die" and "give up." Why not just say never give up?

It is just a way of saying something.  Why do we use the word "cool" instead of something more direct?

[A18]

Yeah, I guess I get it

[Emsworth]

They are completely unnecessary and overused. A direct statement to the same effect would be preferable.

[Soup18]

They are completely unnecessary and overused. A direct statement to the same effect would be preferable.

A direct statement would be ok, but the way common wisdom is phrased is recognizable and convenient.

[Gabu]

I'm not saying use them instead of more creative things, but the reason they are so commonly used is because they are so commonly useful.

What I'm saying, though, is that they often get overused to such an extent that they lose all meaning and just become something to say instead of a meaningful statement.  They're good in moderation when they exactly fit the situation, but they shouldn't make up 50% of what you say.

[J. J.]

I'm not saying use them instead of more creative things, but the reason they are so commonly used is because they are so commonly useful.

What I'm saying, though, is that they often get overused to such an extent that they lose all meaning and just become something to say instead of a meaningful statement.  They're good in moderation when they exactly fit the situation, but they shouldn't make up 50% of what you say.

The can be good, I don't know how many times I've said. "You snooze, you lose," but it's true.  I've even had it translated into Zulu (which is "wa sala, wa lala," with no clicks).