ALL is lost that is given to a fool

Meaning & Analysis

Giving something—whether material, emotional, or intellectual—to a fool results in waste, as the recipient lacks the capacity to value or use it properly.

Insights

Futility of Misdirected Generosity

The proverb suggests that generosity, when directed toward the unworthy or incapable, is ineffective. It warns that resources, advice, or kindness given to fools are squandered, as they are unable to appreciate or apply them.

Value Requires Wisdom

This highlights that the worth of a gift depends not only on its intrinsic value but on the receiver’s wisdom. A fool, lacking discernment, nullifies the potential benefit of what is given.

Moral Discernment

It conveys a subtle moral imperative: to give responsibly and thoughtfully. Charity or support offered blindly may perpetuate folly rather than alleviate need.

Historical Moral Philosophy

Rooted in early modern moral thinking, the proverb echoes biblical and classical admonitions against wasteful charity—mirroring Proverbs 23:9, 'Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words.'

Cultural Skepticism

Reflects a cultural tension between generosity and prudence, especially during periods of economic scarcity. The proverb implies that generosity must be tempered with judgment to preserve both virtue and utility.

Psychological Projection

Reveals a defensive psychological stance: the desire to protect one’s own resources from perceived misuse. It also reflects fears of futility—of effort or emotion being disregarded or mocked.

Cross-Cultural Parallel

Parallels abound across traditions, such as the Arabic proverb, 'Do not throw pearls before swine,' indicating a universal concern about offering value to those who cannot comprehend or appreciate it.

Rhetorical Devices

Absolutism

The use of 'ALL is lost' lends the proverb dramatic finality, enhancing its cautionary tone and reinforcing its moral clarity.

Antithesis

Juxtaposes 'given' (a generous act) with 'lost' (an undesirable outcome), intensifying the paradox of well-intentioned acts gone awry.

Generalization

By referring broadly to 'a fool' and 'all that is given,' the saying adopts universal applicability, making it portable across situations and cultures.

foolishnessgenerositywastejudgmentprudencemorality

Analyzed with gpt-4o on July 10, 2025

Transcription

Quotations

Whatsoeuer is giuen to fooles is lost.

— 1611, COT., s.v. Donner

— 1616, DR., no. 2307

— 1659, HOW., Fr. Prov., p. 8

All that's given to a fool, is cast away.

— 1659, N.R., p. 15

Whatsoeuer is given to a fool, is lost.

— 1664, COD., p. 224

Related Proverbs

M1005 A MISER, like a hog, does no good until he dies 95.5%P77 It is the PART of a fool (It is a shame for a wise man) to say, I had not thought 95.2%L245 A good LIFE has a good death 95.1%P395 He who swears when he is at PLAY may challenge his damnation by way of purchase 95.1%C914 A cumbersome¹ CUR is hated in company 95.0%F540 FOOLS make feasts and wise men eat them 94.8%C559 A merry COMPANION is a wagon in the way (is as good as a nag) 94.8%F47 Too much FAMILIARITY breeds contempt 94.8%F489 He that sends a FOOL means to follow him 94.8%C578 Compare only with thy COMPEERS 94.6%P358 He that touches PITCH shall be defiled 94.5%F458 A FOOL by nature and wise in writing 94.4%P30 Better a fair PAIR of heels than die at the gallows 94.3%A377 He is an ASS that hurts himself 94.2%C827 He that mocks a CRIPPLE ought to be whole 94.2%C689 He that refuses to buy COUNSEL cheap shall buy repentance dear 94.2%F538 FOOLS lade the water and wise men catch the fish 94.2%M435 You can call a MAN no worse than unthankful 94.1%P535 POWER weakens the wicked 94.1%K189 KNOWLEDGE is folly except grace guide it 94.1%

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