Meaning & Analysis
Adhering to moderation or a balanced approach (measure) is a joyful and pleasant middle way (a merry mean).
Insights
The Virtue of Moderation
The proverb champions the ethical principle that a virtuous life is achieved by avoiding extremes. True contentment is found not in excess or deprivation, but in a carefully maintained equilibrium in all things.
Foundation of Well-being
It suggests that psychological well-being is a state of balance. Extremes of emotion, ambition, or behavior lead to instability and unhappiness, while a measured approach fosters inner peace and stability.
Principle of Social Harmony
On a societal level, the 'merry mean' represents a path to social harmony. It advocates for temperate, reasonable conduct in public and private affairs, discouraging the radicalism and conflict that arise from extreme positions.
Classical Philosophy
This proverb directly channels the classical philosophical tradition, particularly Aristotle's concept of the 'golden mean,' which posits that virtue lies between the extremes of excess and deficiency. It effectively translates a complex ethical doctrine into a memorable and accessible folk saying.
Psychology of Happiness
The choice of the word 'merry' is psychologically astute, reframing moderation not as a form of dull self-denial but as a source of genuine happiness and contentment. It counters the romanticized allure of extremes by associating balance with joy.
Cultural Value of Temperance
The proverb reflects a cultural ideal of temperance and self-control, valued in many societal and religious frameworks. It suggests that personal well-being and social harmony are achieved by avoiding disruptive excesses in behavior and passion.
Rhetorical Devices
Alliteration
The repetition of the 'm' sound creates a pleasing, musical rhythm that makes the proverb highly memorable and reinforces its cheerful message.
Connotation
The word 'mean' cleverly signifies the 'middle path' or average, while the adjective 'merry' imbues this mathematical concept with a sense of joy and desirability.
Parallelism
The proverb's concise, balanced structure mirrors the very moderation it advocates, creating a perfect harmony between its form and content.
Transcription
Quotations
Then mesuere hit is a mary mene.
A mery thynge is mesure.
(I graunt measure is).
In al these measure is a mery meane.
Although euery man doth know . . that measure is a merrie meane, yet few can hit that meane.
Measure is called a merry meane.
(Measure was).
Cross References
Annotations
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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