Meaning & Analysis
To literally promise someone ownership of mountains, often specified as being made of gold, which is an extravagant and impossible pledge.
Insights
Exaggeration and Deception
The proverb signifies the act of making grandiose, exaggerated, or unrealistic promises to persuade, entice, or deceive someone. It points to the use of hyperbole as a tool of manipulation.
Unattainable Ambition
It represents the articulation of immense, often unattainable, ambitions or rewards. The 'golden mountains' symbolize the ultimate prize or goal, which may exist only in the realm of fantasy.
The Emptiness of Words
The phrase underscores the potential emptiness of words when not backed by action. It serves as a cautionary reminder that extravagant verbal commitments are often meaningless and should be met with skepticism.
Classical and Mythological Roots
The proverb's classical origin, cited by Erasmus, links it to Roman and Greek traditions of using hyperbole to critique empty rhetoric. The imagery of 'golden mountains' evokes ancient myths of unobtainable treasure, reflecting a timeless human fascination with fantastical wealth and the deceptive allure of such promises.
Psychology of Hope and Deception
This proverb reveals a core psychological tension between hope and skepticism. Those who 'promise mountains' often exploit the listener's desperation or greed, while the listener must grapple with the seductive power of an unbelievable offer. It highlights the human vulnerability to grand, unrealistic visions of the future.
Satirical Critique of Ambition
The expression is a cornerstone of political and social satire, used to critique leaders or charlatans who make grandiose promises they cannot fulfill. The cross-reference to promising 'mountains' and performing 'molehills' captures this theme of anticlimax and failed expectations perfectly.
Rhetorical Devices
Hyperbole
The core of the proverb is hyperbole. The deliberate and extreme exaggeration of promising not just mountains, but 'golden' ones, immediately signals the promise's lack of credibility and fantastical nature.
Symbolism
'Golden mountains' serve as a powerful symbol for ultimate wealth, desire, and impossibility. This potent combination makes the phrase a memorable shorthand for any wildly unrealistic offer.
Imagery
The phrase conjures a vivid and alluring mental picture of mountains shimmering with gold. This powerful imagery makes the promise simultaneously tempting and unbelievable, capturing the core tension of the proverb.
Transcription
Quotations
Aureos montes polliceri.
Not onelye requiryng hym, of concord, peace, and amitie, but also promysyng golden mountaines, and many more benefites, then at that tyme, he was either able or could performe.
After thy promises Of many golden mountaines to ensue, Is this the greatest comfort thou canst giue?
You promise mountaines, and you draw men on, With hopes of greater good than hath beene seene.
I will not promise mountains, nor assure you annuities of forty or fifty crowns.
Promise gold-mountaines, and the couetous Are still most prodigall.
Their wives and children kiss the surgeon's knees, Promise him mountains, if his saving hand Restore the tortured wretch to former strength.
Where is the god that promised golden mountains T'enrich us all?
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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