Summary
- Mei Ling's historical and literary proverbs in Metal Gear Solid provide wisdom and connect to gameplay elements.
- Players should be cautious and avoid getting into unnecessary fights, as the battlefield doesn't care about Snake's value.
- Greed, desire, and dissatisfaction can get players into trouble, as they often have to decide if they need to collect optional items or move on.
Mei Ling is not only in Metal Gear Solid to save the player's progress, she also doles out bits of wisdom in the form of historical and literary proverbs. Most of them connect to the gameplay in one way or another, or else they are silly jokes.
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The tradition of interesting conversations would be continued in the first two sequels, with Rose in Metal Gear Solid 2 asking Raiden about their relationship, and Para-Medic in the third game talking about cinema. Save in every room during the Metal Gear Solid story to listen to them all during any given playthrough. The ones without a name attached to them are older proverbs without a known author.
Otacon similarly tries to give Snake proverbs in the Tanker chapter of Metal Gear Solid 2, but consistently misinterprets them. Save enough times and Mei Ling will interrupt the conversation as a surprise cameo.
22 Try To Avoid Getting Into Fights
"The Graveyards Are Full Of Indispensable Men" - Charles De Gaulle
The battlefield does not care how valuable Snake might be to the story or to other people. If the player is careless, they will nonetheless get a game over.
This proverb can also be looked at as a way to convey the almost unimaginable toll war takes on a population, as it rips the best people away from the world too soon.
21 Don't Get Greedy
"He Who Knows Enough Is Enough Will Always Have Enough" - Lao Tzu
In Metal Gear, close to nothing is often more than enough depending on the type of player. After all, Snake is trained to make the most out of very little.
While going through the game, players have to decide whether it is worthwhile to go hunting after all the items or if they can get by with what they have.
20 Desire Can Get You Into Trouble
"Naught's Had, All is Spent, Where Our Desire is Got Without Content" - William Shakespeare
Quotes about greed and dissatisfaction only become more relevant in the sequels where there are more optional items to be collected.
Is it worth it to grab every gun and piece of equipment in Metal Gear Solid 3 and 4 or should players move on to avoid detection?
19 Avoid Danger
"You Must Cross The River Before You Tell The Crocodile He Has Bad Breath" - Chinese Proverb
Just because it sounds humorous does not mean it is not true. Engaging enemies from a distance always ensures that Snake is safer.
In Metal Gear Solid it is often better not to engage the enemy at all, given that these games are stealth simulators first and foremost.
18 Be Careful
"The Cautious Seldom Err" - Confucious
On multiple playthroughs, gamers can rush through areas with ease. However, on a first playthrough, they have to observe enemy patrol patterns and get used to just how far enemies can see in front of them.
The game is designed to encourage players to be cautious. Snake can't take a ton of punishment, and one wrong move could mean his end.
17 Strength In Numbers
"If There Are More Wolves, The People Are Eaten. If There Are More People, The Wolves Are Eaten" - Unknown
This quote does not bode well for Snake. After all, he is one man against a whole army. While he may be a "wolf," he is still at a disadvantage.
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Mei Ling does not say this to be all doom and gloom but intends it as a reminder that the odds are stacked against Snake and he needs to be cautious.
16 Actions Speak Louder Than Words
"The Superior Man Is Modest In His Speech But Exceeds In His Actions" - Confucius
Though this quote is all about less talk and more action, Mei Ling uses this to remind Snake that she really does not know who he is and is not comfortable telling him about herself yet.
If nothing else, Snake is a reserved man. That could have to do with his past, the actions he's taken in his line of work, or just who he is, but it makes him a difficult man to trust.
15 Sneaking Around
"Brashness Brings Success Too Few, Misfortune To Many" - Unknown
Snake has to remember that his actions do not just affect his safety but the safety of his friends and of the whole world.
If Snake's carelessness gets the better of him, the entire world order is at stake. Snake's missions are of the utmost importance, and he can't afford to get cocky.
14 Stay Focused
"The Mind Cannot Be In Two Places At Once" - Unknown
This quote is even more relevant for players today. After all, in 1998 gamers did not have smartphones and constant Internet connections to distract them.
Now, players are likely to get spotted if they take their eyes off the TV for a second to check their messages. Fior Snake to succeed, he needs to stay focused.
13 Focus On The Positivity Today
"Gather Ye Rose-Buds While Ye May, Old Time Is Still A-Flying: And This Same Flower That Smiles To Day, To Morrow Will Be Dying" - Robert Herrick
Mei Ling says this not to remind Snake of anything in gameplay but to just cheer Snake up and get him to laugh a little more.
Snake is pretty dry most of the time, though he is not above a joke or two here and there when the time is right.