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Proverbs aim to impart wisdom and offer insights from the wise. While some proverbs hold timeless value and are worth following, others may not always align with modern perspectives. Many proverbs even have contradictory counterparts, making it challenging to determine which one holds true. Additionally, some proverbs are frequently misunderstood and carry meanings today that differ from their original intent.
10. The Perils of Curiosity: A Misunderstood Saying
Original Meaning: It was care that killed the cat.
The saying “curiosity killed the cat” cautions against excessive curiosity. Interestingly, the original version was “care killed the cat,” where “care” referred to worry or sorrow. This phrase first appeared in Ben Johnson’s 1598 play Every Man in His Humour, which was performed by a troupe that included William Shakespeare.
Shakespeare later incorporated a similar line into his play Much Ado About Nothing: “What, courage man! what though care killed a cat, thou hast mettle enough in thee to kill care.”
By 1898, the original phrase “care killed the cat” was still in use, as noted in Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable: “It is said that ‘a cat has nine lives,’ yet care would wear them all out.” However, that same year, The Galveston Daily News printed a variation: “it is said that once ‘curiosity killed a Thomas cat.’” The phrase evolved further and appeared in Eugene O’Neill’s 1922 play Diff’rent, solidifying the version we commonly use today.
9. The Bond of Blood Outweighs All Else
Original Meaning: The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.
The phrase “blood is thicker than water” is commonly interpreted to mean that family relationships outweigh all other obligations. Today, it’s often used to emphasize the importance of familial bonds over friendships. However, this interpretation diverges significantly from the phrase’s original intent.
The original saying was “the blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb,” highlighting that the bond forged through shared experiences is stronger than familial ties. Historically, “blood” referred literally to the blood shed by soldiers in battle. The phrase also referenced blood covenants, where individuals would bond by sharing animal blood or mixing their own blood, creating a lifelong commitment that surpassed even family loyalty.
8. A Jack of All Trades, Yet a Master of None
Original Meaning: Jack of all trades.
The saying “Jack of all trades, master of none” is often used negatively today. However, the original phrase was simply “Jack of all trades,” which had no negative implications. It originally described someone skilled in many areas.
The term “Jack” doesn’t refer to a specific individual but rather symbolizes the average person. In medieval times, “Jacks” occupied the lower rungs of society and earned their living through various trades, such as lumberjacks and steeplejacks. The name “Jack” was also attached to numerous tools and objects, like the smoke-jack (a roasting device) or jack-plane (a basic carpenter’s tool). During the Middle Ages, nearly every trade relied on some form of a “Jack.”
The phrase “Jack of all trades” was first recorded in 1612 by Geffray Minshull in his work Essayes And Characters of a Prison and Prisoners, detailing his prison experiences. The addition “master of none” wasn’t included until the late 18th century. It appeared in its current form in 1785 in Charles Lucas’s pamphlet Pharmacomastix, which criticized practices in the apothecary trade.
7. The Devil Lies in the Details
Original Meaning: God is in the detail.
The modern interpretation of this phrase cautions against overlooking small details in a project. However, the older version, “God is in the details,” emphasizes that paying attention to minutiae can lead to significant success.
The origin of the phrase “God is in the details” is uncertain, though it is often linked to several notable figures, including Michelangelo. The German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe is most frequently credited with popularizing it, as it was mentioned in his 1969 New York Times obituary. Art historian Aby Warburg also frequently used the phrase, though his biographer refrained from attributing its creation to him. An earlier variant, “the good God is in the detail,” is commonly associated with French novelist Gustave Flaubert. Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations lists the source as “anonymous.”
6. Seize the Day
Original Meaning: Carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero.
This Latin expression, commonly translated as “seize the day,” is often used to justify living in the moment. However, the full phrase is “carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero,” meaning “pluck the day, trusting as little as possible in the future.” Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t advocate ignoring the future but rather emphasizes making the most of the present to prepare for what lies ahead.
The phrase originates from Roman poet Horace’s Odes Book I, which employs agricultural imagery to inspire people to embrace the present. Horace, a follower of Epicureanism, a philosophy championed by Epicurus, believed that true pleasure comes from simple living. The term “carpe diem” gained prominence through Lord Byron in 1817 and was later popularized by the film The Dead Poets Society. Today, its original intent is often overlooked, and it is used to encourage seizing opportunities and living life to the fullest without considering future consequences.
5. Children Should Be Seen, Not Heard
Original Meaning: A maid should be seen, but not heard.
The well-known phrase “children should be seen and not heard” originally referred to young women, not children. The older version, “a mayde schuld be seen, but not herd,” implied that young women were expected to remain silent.
The saying “Hyt ys old Englysch sawe: A mayde schuld be seen, but not herd” first appeared in a 15th-century sermon collection by Augustinian clergyman John Mirk. In medieval times, a “sawe” referred to a proverb or saying.
To understand why the phrase shifted to “children” instead of “maiden,” we need to examine the term “mayde.” While today “maiden” refers to a young, unmarried woman, historically, it could describe any woman or even children. Interestingly, it could also refer to celibate men.
4. Mend Fences
Original Meaning: Good fences make good neighbors.
The phrase “mend fences” was inspired by the earlier proverb “good fences make good neighbors,” which dates back to the mid-17th century, as noted in the Oxford Dictionary of Quotations. Initially, it emphasized that neighbors respected each other’s property by constructing fences, thereby preventing disputes over shared land. Robert Frost further popularized this idea in his 1914 poem “Mending Walls.”
The abbreviated version is often linked to American senator John Sherman. In 1879, he delivered a speech in Mansfield, Ohio, stating, “I have come home to look after my fences.” While it’s unclear whether Sherman literally meant tending to fences, many interpreted it as a political move to secure support for upcoming elections. Over time, “mending fences” evolved to mean repairing relationships or addressing personal interests, and by the 20th century, it came to signify rebuilding previously positive connections.
3. Speak Of The Devil
Original Meaning: Speak of the devil and he will appear.
Today, the phrase “speak of the devil” is used to remark on the coincidence of someone arriving just as they are being discussed. The term “devil” is used lightly, without any sinister implications. However, before the 20th century, the original proverb carried a more foreboding tone.
The original saying, “speak of the devil and he will appear,” dates back to 16th-century Latin and Old English texts. It was first documented by Giovanni Torriano in 1666 in Piazza Universale: “The English say, Talk of the Devil, and he’s presently at your elbow.” By the mid-17th century, the proverb was widely known and reflected the belief that mentioning the devil by name was risky. While most people didn’t literally think the devil would appear, referencing him was considered unlucky and best avoided.
By the 19th century, the original meaning of the phrase started to fade. It gradually transformed into a cautionary remark against eavesdropping.
2. The Truth Shall Set You Free
Original Meaning: Same text, but with a different meaning.
Today, this phrase is commonly used to motivate individuals to confess the truth, often after lying, to achieve emotional relief. Its origins trace back to the Bible, with variations existing across different translations. Widely recognized, it is frequently quoted by many, even those who haven’t read the Bible.
The original meaning of the phrase had little connection to deception. In reality, it concludes a more extensive declaration. Originally, the term 'truth' symbolized Christianity, God, or Jesus, while 'freedom' denoted liberation from obstacles like sin or ignorance. Therefore, 'the truth will set you free' initially conveyed that embracing Christianity would free you from the bondage of sin through the truth (Jesus).
1. Wealth Is The Source Of All Wickedness
In reality: The desire for wealth is the source of all wickedness.
The saying 'money is the root of all evil' suggests that all global immorality stems from wealth. However, this is a misquote from the Bible, which actually states 'the love of money is the root of all evil.' This implies that it is not money itself, but the excessive desire for it, that leads to evil and corruption.
Some translations adjust 'the root of all evil' to 'the root of all kinds of evil' or 'a root of all kinds of evil.' Regarding the latter change, it is noted that the original biblical text lacks a definite article before 'root.' Consequently, the phrase 'the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil' diverges even more from the commonly misused version of the proverb.
Money itself is neither good nor bad; possessing wealth is not inherently wrong. The Bible warns that issues arise only when money starts to dominate our lives, signaling a need for caution.
