Word 4 (1891)

It is evident that laughter is like on intoxication. Silly laughter shows carelessness and it causes headache. Carelessness leads to destruction, impoverishment and bad deeds. I think people who laugh in a silly manner are unhappy in this and that world.

Consciousness and readiness lead to wealth and such people are just not the same. It does not mean that you should always be gloomy and be sensitive about each failure. It is heavy burden for a human. It is better to forget about sorrows working and laughing.

People are different and for those who think only about their grieves and sorrows work is the only relief. Don’t be happy when people act badly. If you see somebody’s sorrow – let your laughter be bitter. Bitter laughter is always short.

Be happy when people act well because it is a good example. Laughter may be different .It may be beautiful and loud, but is false laughter. Get it away, people! A human is born crying: when he dies, he is angry. When people don’t know what happiness means, they abuse life with empty actions. They persecute each other boast, save money, but when the last hour comes they are ready to give all their wealth for a day of life.

Why does insight come to people so late? Why not to believe in your fate and start working? Then the poorest land gives you fruit. It is the purpose of land.

• Answer the questions:

1. What does Abai tell about laughter?

2. Do you agree to this definition?

3. What is a difference between “silly laughter” and wise laughter?

4. Do you think that laughter always leads to unhappy life?

5. What does Abai call people to in word 4?

Word 6 (1891)

There is a Kazakh proverb: The beginning of art is in unity,

The beginning of wealth is in life.

But what is unity? And when does agreement appear? The Kazakhs suppose that unity is a community of the name, meal, clothes and property. But if it is so, what is the use from wealth and what harm is from property? If you have wealth, everybody will unite with you. People will stop to look for bread in other lands. But they will start to complete and then will lie to each other. It is not a unity of the intelligence, but not property.

The verse says:

Only lazy and cheeky

Is always glad to eat,

Though he seems a start fellow

But it is low in soul

He is accustomed to live.

Spiritual qualities are the main things in people’s life. The soul and kind heart should lead a human. His work and his property wouldn’t be in vain.

• Answer the questions:

1. What is unity?

2. When does agreement appear?

3. What is the use of wealth?

4. What harm is of property?

5. Do you think that wealth brings happiness?

6. What are the main things in people’s live?

7. What things should lead a human in his life?