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Interpretation
The proverb "All that glitters is not gold" advises against making hasty
judgments solely based on appearances, as things that seem valuable or
genuine may not actually be so. This warning originated in the 12th
century but gained widespread recognition in the 16th century when it
was included in William Shakespeare's play, "The Merchant of Venice." In
this play, the character Portia emphasizes that true value lies not in
what can be seen with the eye, but rather in one's perception.
The phrase is commonly used to caution against being deceived by outward
appearances. For instance, if someone is considering buying a seemingly
perfect car, you might remind them that "All that glitters is not gold."
Furthermore, this saying can be applied more broadly to discourage snap
judgments about individuals or situations based solely on initial
impressions. For example, you could advise someone who is about to make
a decision based solely on someone's looks by saying, "All that glitters
is not gold."
It serves as a reminder to exercise caution and to look beyond
superficial appearances. Just because something appears valuable or
genuine doesn't guarantee its true worth. It is crucial to delve deeper
and assess things based on their inherent qualities and merits. |
