ALL would have all, all would forgive

Insights

Human Greed and Self-Interest

The proverb highlights the innate human tendency toward wanting everything for oneself—complete success, wealth, or satisfaction—without limitation or sharing.

Selective Morality

It reflects the paradox that while people are eager to receive forgiveness for their own failings, they are often reluctant to forgive others, pointing to a double standard in moral expectations.

Universal Desire for Redemption

Suggests a deeper psychological truth: everyone desires a clean slate, a second chance, and the absolution of their wrongdoings—revealing vulnerability beneath ambition.

Moral Paradox

The juxtaposition of avarice ('have all') and absolution ('forgive') reveals a tension in human nature: the desire to dominate and the simultaneous wish to be absolved of the moral cost of doing so.

Social Critique of Entitlement

The proverb satirizes a society where everyone wants maximum benefit with minimal responsibility—pursuing advantage while expecting mercy, even when undeserved.

Theological Echoes

It resonates with Christian teachings on forgiveness, subtly critiquing the discrepancy between how eagerly people seek divine forgiveness and how sparingly they offer it to others.

Rhetorical Devices

Repetition and Parallelism

The repeated structure ('All would... all would...') gives the proverb rhythmic clarity and emphasizes the universality of the sentiments being critiqued.

Antithesis

Contrasts material greed ('have all') with moral generosity ('forgive'), creating a striking opposition that underscores human inconsistency.

Elliptical Suggestion

The proverb leaves much unsaid—such as whether these desires are fulfilled—inviting reflection on the gap between aspiration and reality.