Meaning & Analysis
A person who gives away all their possessions before death sets themselves up for hardship, lacking the means to support themselves in their remaining years.
Insights
Premature Surrender of Power
The proverb metaphorically critiques the unwise relinquishing of control or authority before it is necessary, warning that early abdication often leads to neglect, exploitation, or suffering.
The Folly of Trusting Too Soon
It warns against excessive trust in heirs or dependents who may be ungrateful or irresponsible, capturing the risk of misplaced generosity or hope in human loyalty.
Self-neglect Disguised as Virtue
While giving away one’s wealth may seem altruistic, the proverb suggests that doing so too soon may stem from vanity or naiveté, ignoring practical self-care and foresight.
Echoes of Lear's Tragedy
The proverb resonates strongly with Shakespeare’s *King Lear*, in which Lear’s premature division of his kingdom results in betrayal and madness. It reflects the deep cultural wariness around renouncing wealth and agency before one’s end.
Cultural Suspicion of Ingratitude
Early modern culture was steeped in anxiety about filial disloyalty and the erosion of patriarchal control. The proverb encapsulates this fear, portraying children or heirs as potentially untrustworthy once power is transferred.
Economic Prudence as Survival
Historically, old age came with vulnerability—physical, social, and economic. Retaining assets until death was often the only form of elder security, making the proverb a hard-earned lesson in survival economics.
Rhetorical Devices
Irony
The ironic twist lies in the contradiction: a gift meant to bring comfort (generosity toward heirs) ends up causing suffering to the giver. This reversal sharpens the proverb’s cautionary tone.
Hyperbole
Stating that giving away ‘all’ leads inevitably to suffering amplifies the warning. It exaggerates for effect to underscore the danger of extreme selflessness.
Direct Aphorism
The proverb's crisp, declarative structure lends it moral weight and rhetorical authority, common to wisdom literature meant to be memorable and prescriptive.
Transcription
Quotations
This last is the greatest Folie; meaning to giue away his Goods to vngratefull Children before hee dye.
Who parts with his estate before he dieth is a fool.
(He that gives away all from himself before).
Shakespeare Citations
Would I had two coxcombs and two daughters! —Why, my boy? —If I gave them all my living, I'd keep my coxcombs myself.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.