Meaning & Analysis
The true worth of a gift is determined not by its material or monetary value, but by the intention, sincerity, and goodwill of the person who gives it.
Insights
Intention over Action
The proverb suggests that the motivation and character behind any action, not just gift-giving, are more significant than the outcome. The 'why' of an act is its ultimate measure.
Subjectivity of Value
It posits that value is subjective and created through human sentiment. An object’s true significance is derived from the emotional context and the relationship between the giver and receiver, not from its market price.
Gifts as Relational Currency
A gift functions as a form of social and emotional currency. Its value is measured by its success in strengthening bonds, expressing affection, and communicating respect, all of which originate from the giver's 'mind' or intent.
Classical and Ethical Roots
Originating from classical wisdom, as cited by Erasmus, the proverb emphasizes inner virtue over outward display. It reflects a philosophical stance rooted in Stoic and Christian ethics, where the moral and emotional intention of an actor is paramount.
Literary Resonance
In literature, this theme is powerfully dramatized in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' where Ophelia returns Hamlet's gifts because his unkindness has stripped them of their value. The quote 'Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind' shows that the giver's character directly defines the gift's worth.
Psychology of Connection
The proverb addresses the psychological need for genuine connection. A gift's true value lies in its ability to convey that the giver has been thoughtful and considerate, making the recipient feel understood and cherished beyond the material object itself.
Critique of Materialism
This proverb serves as a timeless critique of materialism, contrasting the superficial, monetary worth of an item with the profound, emotional value endowed by the giver's sincerity and goodwill. It champions a more meaningful, less commercial form of exchange.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb creates an implicit contrast between the internal, abstract 'mind' of the giver and the external, concrete 'gift', emphasizing the former's superiority.
Metonymy
The abstract noun 'mind' serves as a powerful metonym for the giver’s complete inner state, including their intentions, character, and emotions, giving the proverb its philosophical weight.
Aphorism
The core statement is a concise, memorable assertion that functions as a moral maxim, making it easy to recall and apply to various situations.
Transcription
Quotations
Munerum animus optimus .. quo significatur, in amicorum muneribus non esse spectandum rei missae precium, sed mittentis potius animum.
The mynde of gyftes is best, that is to saye, In the gyftes or presentes of freendes the price or value of the thyng that is sent is not to be considered, but the mynde rather of the sender.
The wyll of the geuer, and not the value of the gyfte, is to be regarded.
It is the geuer not the guift, thou oughtest to respect.
The good will of the giuer and not the gifte is to be accepted.
So excellent alwayes are the giftes which are made acceptable by the vertue of the giuer.
Gifts are not to be measured by the worth, but by the will.
The Lord, to whom we lend, measures the gift by the mind of the giver.
Not the gift but the giver.
God, who respects the minde of the giuer, not the gift.
No gift well, without good will.
The fool looks at the gift, the wise man to the intention of the giver.
Shakespeare Citations
Their [remembrances’] perfume lost, Take these again; for to the noble mind Rich gifts wax poor when givers prove unkind.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.