Meaning & Analysis
Individuals must act according to their capabilities and the constraints of their situation, rather than being guided solely by their wishes or ideal ambitions.
Insights
Pragmatism over Idealism
The proverb champions pragmatism over idealism, advocating for practical, achievable actions instead of pursuing unattainable dreams. It is a call to ground oneself in reality.
Acceptance of Limitations
It underscores the necessity of recognizing and accepting personal, social, and situational limitations. Wisdom is found not in denying constraints, but in working effectively within them.
The Art of Compromise
Life is presented as a continuous negotiation between desire and possibility. The proverb highlights that progress and survival often depend on the ability to make intelligent compromises.
Resilience and Adaptability
It encourages adaptability and resilience. When the desired path is blocked, one must find an alternative route, demonstrating a flexible and enduring approach to overcoming obstacles.
Historical Realism
The proverb reflects a pre-modern worldview where social mobility and personal agency were often limited. It advises a practical acceptance of one's circumstances, a necessary mindset for navigating rigid social and economic structures.
Stoic Undertones
This saying encapsulates a key tenet of Stoic philosophy: distinguishing between what is within our control and what is not. It encourages focusing energy on achievable actions ('as they may') rather than lamenting unattainable desires ('as they would').
Psychological Coping
As a cognitive strategy, the proverb helps manage disappointment and frustration. By reframing goals to align with reality, it promotes mental resilience and prevents the paralysis that can result from fixating on idealized outcomes.
Literary and Dramatic Force
Shakespeare's use of this theme, particularly in plays like 'Titus Andronicus', demonstrates its power in moments of crisis. Characters are forced to abandon ideal plans and adapt to harsh realities, showing the proverb's relevance to strategy and survival.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb's structure is built on the direct contrast between 'may' (possibility) and 'would' (desire), creating a powerful and memorable opposition that clarifies its meaning.
Parallelism
The balanced phrasing 'as they may, not as they would' uses parallel structure to create a rhythmic, aphoristic quality, making the advice easy to remember and recite.
Modal Verbs
The use of modal verbs—'must' (necessity), 'may' (ability), and 'would' (desire)—efficiently frames a complex human dilemma, giving the proverb a sense of universal law.
Transcription
Quotations
Not that which I would, but that which I may, for my poore skill and knowledge.
Not as men would, but as men may.
If thou can not where thou wouldst, lyue where thou maye.
He that may not as he wold must do as he may.
Goe forward, and moue on, if not so fast as you would, yet as you may.
A man must doe as he can, when hee cannot as he would.
[1619] You must do as you may, not as you would.
Doe as we may, if not as we would.
Doe as you may, when you can't doe as you would.
Men must doe as they are able.
We must do as we can, not as we would.
Do as you may, if you can't do as you would.
Who cannot do as he would, let him do as he can.
If not as we will, as well as we may.
Who cannot do as he would, let him do as well as he can.
[As in a1598 Ferg.].
Shakespeare Citations
What you cannot as you would achieve You must perforce accomplish as you may.
I, as I may,—that which I would I cannot,—With best advantage will deceive the time.
Cross References
- See Otto, no. 1456
- T. 720, p. 341.
- M769 Who that may not as they would, will as they may
- M769a Who that may not as they will, must will as they may.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.