a stream cannot rise above its source

a stream cannot rise above its source

proverb People can only do and create that which is within their abilities. Why is that unjust group of men allowed to make the laws in this town? If we know that a stream cannot rise above its source, what kinds of laws do we think they will create? That guy's always been a hack, so I'm not surprised his latest book is terrible. A stream cannot rise above its source, after all. It's not like he asked the country's brightest minds to come up with the economic plan, so of course it's lackluster—a stream cannot rise above its source.

See also: above, cannot, rise, source, stream

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