No MARVEL if water be lue¹

Insights

The Prevalence of Mediocrity

Symbolizes the idea that mediocrity, indifference, or a lack of strong qualities is the normal and expected state of human affairs or character, rather than excellence or intense passion.

Apathy as a Default State

Suggests that it is natural and unsurprising to encounter apathy or a lack of commitment in people. Strong convictions ('hot') or firm opposition ('cold') are rare, while neutrality ('lukewarm') is common.

Moderated Expectations

Serves as a caution against expecting intensity or exceptionalism in life. It advises accepting the ordinary and unremarkable as the default condition of the world.

Linguistic Obscurity

The proverb's meaning is entirely dependent on the archaic word 'lue' (tepid), a precursor to 'lukewarm', as noted in Ray's 1678 citation. Its obscurity to modern audiences highlights how language evolution can render folk wisdom inaccessible without historical context.

Psychology of Normalization

Reflects a worldview rooted in realism, bordering on cynicism. It captures the psychological tendency to accept the average or uninspired as the baseline, treating passion and excellence as rare deviations from the norm.

Resonance with Theological Condemnation

The proverb's observation that lukewarmness is common contrasts sharply with the biblical condemnation of the same state in Revelation 3:16 ('I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot... So then because thou art lukewarm... I will spue thee out of my mouth'). While the proverb merely notes this as a natural fact, it operates in a cultural context where being 'lukewarm' is viewed as a significant moral or spiritual failing.

Rhetorical Devices

Archaism

The use of the obsolete word 'lue' and the formal term 'marvel' firmly places the proverb in a historical context, making its meaning opaque without annotation.

Understatement

The phrase 'No marvel' is a form of litotes that expresses a positive (it is common) by negating its opposite (it is not a surprise), lending the proverb a tone of weary acceptance.

Symbolism

'Water' serves as a symbol for people or the general state of affairs, while 'lue' (lukewarm) symbolizes the quality of mediocrity, indifference, or lack of passion.