The one who plants the tree is not the one who will enjoy its shade

Similar sayings:

One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade One generation plants the trees, another gets the shade
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago The second best time is today The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago The second best time is today
If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people
Plant the crab-tree where you will it will never bear pippins Plant the crab-tree where you will it will never bear pippins
Enjoy yourself It’s later than you think Enjoy yourself It’s later than you think

Chinese sayings and proverbs