Every MAN (one) as he loves (likes)

Meaning & Analysis

Each individual acts according to their personal preferences, affections, or tastes.

Insights

Subjectivity of Value

The proverb asserts that value, beauty, and desire are entirely subjective. It suggests there is no objective standard for what is good or preferable; all such judgments are rooted in individual perspective.

Defense of Individuality

It functions as a defense of non-conformity and personal autonomy. The proverb validates following one's own inclinations, suggesting that personal preference is its own justification, free from external judgment.

Principle of Tolerance

By acknowledging the validity of diverse tastes, the proverb implicitly advocates for a tolerant and non-judgmental attitude toward the choices of others, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

Folk Wisdom and Humor

The proverb's meaning is humorously crystallized in the cross-referenced variant, 'Every man as he loves, quoth the good man when he kissed his cow.' This rustic, slightly absurd image effectively illustrates that personal preferences can be eccentric and defy conventional logic, grounding the abstract principle in memorable folk wisdom.

Cultural Individualism

This proverb is a foundational expression of modern liberal and individualistic values, echoing sentiments like 'to each his own.' Its appearance in the 16th century indicates that the tension between individual preference and societal norms has deep cultural and historical roots.

Psychology of Preference

The saying captures a core psychological truth about the subjectivity of desire and attraction. It acknowledges that individual affections are shaped by unique personal histories and temperaments, and therefore cannot be judged by a universal or objective standard.

Rhetorical Devices

Generalization

The use of 'Every MAN' or 'Every one' establishes the statement as a universal truth about human nature, giving it a broad and authoritative tone.

Ellipsis

The phrase is a condensed or elliptical sentence, implying a fuller meaning like 'Every man must act as he loves.' This brevity makes the proverb memorable, flexible, and aphoristic.

Simplicity

The proverb's power lies in its direct and unadorned language. Using simple, everyday words like 'man', 'loves', and 'likes' makes its meaning accessible and universally applicable.

individualitysubjectivitypreferencetolerancechoicetaste

Analyzed with gemini-2.5-pro on August 19, 2025

Transcription

Quotations

Euery one as he lyketh.

— 1580, LYLY, Euph. and His Eng., p. 161

Euery one as he likes.

— 1611, COT., s.v. Guise

— 1639, CL., p. 16

(likes).

— 1671, CL., Phras. Puer., s.v. Liking, p. 199

Cross References

Related Proverbs

M115 Every MAN has his delight 94.6%M130 Every MAN knows what is best for himself 94.4%M304 A MAN will rather hurt his body than displeas his palate 92.8%M362 Respect a MAN, he will do the more 92.4%M124 Every MAN is best known to himself 92.1%M223 A MAN cannot be too wary 91.8%M138 Every MAN must suffer his afflictions 91.8%M104 Every MAN as his business lies 91.7%M116 Every MAN has (No man is without) his faults 91.7%M98 Every ill MAN has his ill day 91.4%M535 Keep good MEN company and you shall be of the number 90.9%M595 When all MEN have what belongs to them it cannot be much 90.7%M526 He that all MEN will please shall never find ease 90.7%M200 It is hard for one (any) MAN to amend all faults 90.7%M280 A MAN must not leave his way for a little rain 90.6%M175 He that kills a MAN when he is drunk shall be hanged when he is sober 90.5%M64 As a MAN lives so shall he die, as a tree falls so shall it lie 90.4%M301 A MAN that cannot sit still in his chamber is not fit for business 90.3%H217 He that HAS of his own needs not to borrow 90.2%B260 A hard BEGINNING has (makes) a good ending 90.2%

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