The longer we live the more FARLIES¹ we see

Meaning & Analysis

The longer we live, the more wonders or strange things we encounter.

Insights

Accumulation of Experience

The proverb captures the idea that with the passage of time and the accumulation of life experience, one witnesses increasingly unexpected, unusual, or astonishing events.

Unpredictability of Life

It also serves as a reminder that life remains unpredictable and full of surprises, no matter how much we think we have already seen or learned.

Historical and Linguistic Symbolism

‘Farlie’ (Scots for ‘wonder’ or ‘marvel’) roots the proverb in regional speech, imbuing it with a sense of folk wisdom. The saying reflects an enduring human fascination with novelty and the infinite variability of the world.

Parallel Wisdom

Related proverbs, like 'The longer that one lives the more he knows,' emphasize that extended experience broadens perspective, exposing one to new knowledge, marvels, and shocks alike.

Philosophical Reflection

The proverb invites humility and openness, suggesting that no matter our age or learning, there will always be more to astonish or teach us—a counter to complacency or world-weariness.

Rhetorical Devices

Incremental Repetition

The structure ('the longer...the more...') uses incremental repetition to emphasize the compounding nature of time and experience.

Colloquialism

The use of the Scots word 'farlies' imparts a homely, conversational tone that enhances the saying’s accessibility and memorability.

Ellipsis

The phrase omits explicit mention of events or people, focusing instead on the accumulating wonders, which lends it a universal quality.

experiencewisdomwondersurpriselifegrowth

Analyzed with gpt-4.1 on July 12, 2025

Transcription

Quotations

— 1721, KEL., p. 313.

Cross References

L393 The longer that one lives the more he knows.

Annotations

wonders

Related Proverbs

H9 HAD I WIST comes too late 93.3%L435 She that LOOKS too much at herself looks too little to herself 92.5%F558 No FOOLERY to¹ falling-out 92.3%P424 He that has PLENTY of goods shall have more, he that has but a little he shall have less, and he that has right nought right nought shall possess 91.8%K176 KNOW when to spend and when to spare and you need not be busy, you'll ne'er be bare 91.8%L392 He that LIVES wickedly can hardly die honestly 91.6%K125 If you would know a KNAVE give him a staff 91.5%G313 GOOD is good but better carries it 91.5%M350 Old MAN, when thou diest give me thy doublet 91.3%P653 He that buys and lies shall feel it in his PURSE 91.3%C440 He that pries into every CLOUD may be struck with a thunderbolt 91.3%M1008 MISERY shows the man what he is 91.2%F746 Here's to our FRIENDS and hang up the rest of our kindred 91.2%C563 Choose thy COMPANY before thy drink 91.1%G474 It is an ill GUEST that never drinks to his host 91.1%D102 They take a long DAY that never pay 91.1%K53 Wheresoever you see your KINDRED make much of your friends 91.1%D419 That which is easily DONE is soon believed 91.1%A308 In APRIL Dove's flood is worth a king's good 91.0%M1024 The MISTRESS's eye feeds the capon 91.0%

These connections are generated using word-embeddings. Learn more.