worse than a beast; behaving in a way that is utterly devoid of human decency or morality

to feel ashamed of being inferior to others; to acknowledge that one is outclassed by another's superior abilities or qualities

to consider oneself as being not as good as others

worse than a dog or pig; utterly contemptible and lacking in human decency

better to just get the pain over with, rather than prolong the agony

it is better to avoid unnecessary trouble or complications

if you want something done well, do it yourself (idiom)

Seeing something for oneself is more reliable and convincing than hearing about it from others many times.

deference is no substitute for obedience; a polite formula used to accept an invitation or request

the present is not as good as the past; things are not as good as they used to be

A relative afar is less use than a close neighbor; take whatever help is on hand, even from strangers.

to be getting worse with each generation

The benefits of medicine are not as great as those of good nutrition.

knowing someone by their reputation cannot compare to meeting them in person

Explaining in words is not as good as teaching by example; action speaks louder than words.

The principle that challenging or provoking someone into acting is more effective than simply asking or ordering them to do so.

seeing something for oneself is better than hearing about it from others

The unvarnished truth is better than a cunning ruse; honesty is the best policy.

if an official does not put the people first, he might as well go home and sell sweet potatoes

the palest ink is better than the best memory

better a bad life than a good death (idiom)

describes a situation where someone or something is significantly inferior to what it was in the past.

man proposes, God disposes; the idea that human plans are often derailed by unforeseen events or destiny

to be not as good as or worse than something else

Better to take practical steps to achieve one's aim than to merely stand by and wish for success.

there's no place like home

falling short of expectations or desires; leaving much to be desired

give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime

to be getting worse by the day

give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime; knowledge is the best charity

arriving early is not as good as arriving at the right moment; being lucky enough to arrive at a fortuitous time

it is better to do something now when the opportunity arises than to pick a specific date in the future