Meaning & Analysis
It is preferable to choose a person who has no wealth than to have wealth that is not attached to a person of substance or character.
Insights
Value of Character over Wealth
The proverb argues for the supremacy of human character, integrity, and potential over inanimate material possessions. It asserts that human qualities are the ultimate source of value, making a virtuous but poor person a better choice than riches without a worthy individual.
Marriage and Partnership
In the context of relationships and marriage, this serves as advice to prioritize a partner's intrinsic virtues over their financial status. It suggests that companionship with a worthy individual is more valuable than the security offered by wealth alone.
Potential over Possessions
This is a statement about potential versus static assets. A person has the potential to create, grow, and generate value, while money is merely a tool. The proverb favors the dynamic potential of a human being over the passive nature of accumulated riches.
Critique of Materialism
This proverb serves as a powerful critique of materialism, particularly within the historical context of marriage and social alliances. The quotations from the 16th century place it as a moral guideline against the common practice of marrying for wealth, advocating for the selection of a partner based on character and potential rather than inheritance or dowry.
Human Capital vs. Financial Capital
The proverb champions the concept of human capital over financial capital. A 'man without money' possesses agency, potential, and the capacity for growth, whereas 'money without a man' is an inert, purposeless asset. It suggests that true value lies in human qualities and potential, not in static wealth.
Psychological Fulfillment
Psychologically, the proverb speaks to the human need for meaning and connection over mere security. It implies that a life centered on accumulation of wealth, devoid of human substance and character, is ultimately empty and unfulfilling.
Cultural Counter-Narrative
The cross-reference to 'Not what is she but what has she' highlights the proverb's role in a long-standing cultural debate. It directly counters the cynical, transactional view of human relationships, positioning itself as a defense of intrinsic human worth.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb is built on a stark antithesis, contrasting the 'man without money' with 'money without a man'. This direct opposition creates a powerful and memorable rhetorical effect.
Chiasmus
The structure follows a chiasmus pattern (Man-Money, Money-Man), which creates a pleasing symmetry and rhythm, enhancing its memorability and proverbial quality.
Repetition
The repetition of the core terms 'man' and 'money' drills down on the central theme, leaving no ambiguity about the values being compared.
Transcription
Quotations
I had leaver have a man without money than money without a man.
Themistocles .. had rather haue a man without mony, then mony without a man.
They regard not now a dayes the old sayinge of the wise man, I had rather haue a man then mony, but testify by their doinges that they esteeme more of wealth then of humanity.
We must rather seeke for a man that wantes wealth, then for wealth that wantes a man.
Tithes and lands I like, yet rather fancy can, A man that wanteth gold, then gold that wants a man.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.