Meaning & Analysis
The person who follows in a sequence is just as proud as the person who leads or precedes them.
Insights
Pride Transcends Status
The proverb asserts that pride is a universal human quality, independent of social rank or status. A person in a subordinate position can possess the same degree of arrogance as someone in a leadership role.
The Cycle of Ambition
It suggests a cycle of ambition where the follower is just as driven and self-important as the leader. The successor ('comes behind') is often no different in character from the predecessor ('goes before').
Continuity of Flaw
The proverb can be interpreted as a cynical statement that changing personnel or leadership brings no real improvement in character. The new person is just as flawed as the old one.
Appearance versus Reality
It warns against judging individuals by their position, highlighting that a person's outward status does not necessarily reflect their inner sense of self-worth or arrogance.
Critique of Social Hierarchy
This proverb offers a sharp critique of social hierarchies, suggesting that pride is not exclusive to those in positions of power. In the stratified societies of the 16th and 17th centuries, it served as a reminder that ambition and arrogance are universal human traits, found as much in followers as in leaders.
Psychology of Ambition
Psychologically, the proverb captures the dynamic of ambition and succession. The person 'coming behind' is not necessarily a humble subordinate but often a rival or successor who mirrors the pride of the one they follow, waiting for their own turn to lead. The cross-reference 'He that follows the lord hopes to go before' reinforces this.
Universality of Human Nature
The proverb serves as a timeless observation on human nature, asserting that character flaws like pride are distributed equally among people, regardless of their status or position. It cautions against assuming humility in the subordinate or virtue in the follower.
Rhetorical Devices
Parallelism and Antithesis
The proverb uses a balanced, parallel structure, contrasting 'comes behind' with 'goes before' to create a memorable and rhythmic comparison.
Conciseness
The proverb's compact and aphoristic nature makes it easy to remember and quote, contributing to its longevity and frequent use.
Synecdoche
The abstract quality of 'proud' is used to represent a type of person, making the statement a general commentary on human character rather than a specific action.
Transcription
Quotations
As proude coms behinde they say, as any goes before.
There comes as proud behind as goes before.
York was rather quiet than contented, pleasing itself that as stout came behind as went before.
(as before).
As proud come behind as go before.
(As good comes).
As proud come behind as go before.
Cross References
Annotations
- A man may be humble that is in high estate, and people of mean condition may be as proud as the highest.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.