Trucker philosophy: Brazil’s bumper aphorisms

Sayings painted on the back bumpers of semi tractor-trailers reveal the culture’s humorous underpinnings. The practice is uniquely Brazilian; there are no witticisms found on the back of trucks in Portugal. Over the years I made a mental collection of these aphorisms that make long road trips a bit more fun. Since we often find ourselves stuck behind a convoy of slow-moving trucks transporting goods on two-lane highways, these clever and amusing adages help pass the time. The sayings are humorous, inspirational, religious, and romantic. Here is a sampling from 50 best truck bumper phrases (in Portuguese):

Better to arrive late in this world than early in the next.

Happiness is not destiny, but a way of life.

Things can get worse; you just have no imagination.

I’m not in a hurry, I’m just homesick.

Danger is not a horse in the road, it’s a jackass at the wheel.

My headlights illuminate the road, but God lights my way.

Faith in God and your foot on the accelerator.

Don’t honk at me, wake up earlier.

Love is a dream, and marriage is the wake-up call.

The less men think, the more they talk.

Driven by me, guided by God.

Always fight, sometimes win, never give up.

Photo by ALE SAT on Unsplash