Every CREATURE thinks her own fair

Insights

Subjectivity of Value

The proverb is a broad statement on the subjectivity of value. It implies that what a person creates, possesses, or is connected to—be it a child, an idea, or a piece of work—is inherently seen as valuable and beautiful to them, highlighting a natural bias towards one's own.

Pride in Creation and Kin

It speaks to the powerful and often irrational pride one takes in their own creations or kin. This isn't just about love, but about a deep-seated belief in the inherent worth and superiority of what is 'one's own'.

The Limits of Objectivity

The proverb serves as a subtle commentary on the limitations of perception. It suggests that our judgment is clouded by our attachments, making it difficult, if not impossible, to be truly objective about the things we are closest to.

Classical and Folkloric Roots

Grounded in the classical Latin saying 'Suum cuique pulchrum' ('To each his own is beautiful'), cited by Erasmus, the proverb reflects a timeless and universal understanding of subjective bias that predates modern English. Its sentiment is echoed in various cultural folklore, such as the referenced 'The crow thinks her own bird fairest'.

Psychological Bias

This proverb perfectly encapsulates the psychological principles of egocentric bias and the 'endowment effect'—the cognitive tendency to ascribe greater value to things one owns or has created. It reveals a fundamental, non-rational aspect of human (and animal) attachment.

Philosophical Relativism

The saying carries a philosophical weight, touching on the concept of relativism. It argues that 'fairness' or beauty is not an objective, universal quality but is instead defined by the observer's personal connection and perspective, challenging the notion of absolute standards.

Rhetorical Devices

Universal Generalization

The use of 'Every CREATURE' is a sweeping generalization that elevates a common observation into a universal law of nature, making the statement feel absolute and profound.

Symbolism

The proverb uses the 'creature' and its 'own' to symbolize any creator and their creation. 'Fair' symbolizes not just physical beauty but any desirable quality, such as intelligence, virtue, or worth.

Anthropomorphism

By attributing the human judgment of 'fairness' to all creatures, the proverb uses anthropomorphism to suggest that this bias is a fundamental, instinctual part of nature itself, shared across all life.