Meaning & Analysis
A small quantity (an ounce) of innate common sense or practical intelligence ('mother wit') is more valuable than a large quantity (a pound) of formal, academic learning ('clergy').
Insights
Practicality vs. Theory
The proverb argues for the superiority of practical, intuitive wisdom over theoretical, academic knowledge, suggesting that real-world effectiveness trumps book learning.
Quality over Quantity
It emphasizes that the quality of one's judgment is far more important than the quantity of information one has memorized. A small amount of good sense is more effective than a wealth of misapplied or impractical facts.
Innate vs. Acquired Knowledge
The proverb champions innate or experience-based wisdom ('mother wit' or 'bought wit') over knowledge that is simply taught. It suggests that true understanding comes from lived experience, not just instruction.
Historical Value of 'Clergy'
The term 'clergy' historically signified the literate, educated class. The proverb thus reflects a populist sentiment, championing the practical, inherent wisdom of the common person ('mother wit') over the formal, often abstract, knowledge of the elite.
Cultural Tension
This proverb captures the enduring cultural tension between 'street smarts' and 'book smarts'. It validates intuitive, experience-based intelligence, suggesting it is more reliable for navigating real-world challenges than theoretical knowledge alone.
Psychological Insight
Psychologically, the proverb distinguishes between raw intelligence or accumulated facts and the executive function of good judgment. It implies that possessing knowledge is useless without the wisdom and discretion to apply it effectively.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb is structured around the direct contrast between 'ounce' and 'pound', and between 'mother wit' (innate sense) and 'clergy' (formal learning), creating a powerful, memorable opposition.
Metaphor
The concrete weights 'ounce' and 'pound' are used metaphorically to quantify the abstract concepts of wisdom and learning, making the comparison vivid and easily understood.
Alliteration
The repetition of the 'w' sound in 'wit is worth' adds a slight lyrical quality, which aids in the proverb's retention and oral transmission.
Transcription
Quotations
An ounce of discretion, is better worth then a pound of hardines.
The Prouerbe is true; an Ounce of Discretion, is worth a pound of Learning.
A little deal of wit is worth a great deal of folly.
(The homely Scotch proverb that an ounce).
(discretion, is worth a pound of wit).
(of Clergy, or Book-learning).
An Ounce of wit that is bought Is worth a pound that is taught.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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