Meaning & Analysis
The welfare or benefit of the community as a whole should take precedence over individual desires or gratifications.
Insights
Public Good over Private Gain
The proverb metaphorically asserts that true virtue or civic responsibility lies in prioritizing the needs and prosperity of the collective above selfish or individual interests.
Sacrifice and Duty
It embodies the ethical principle that personal sacrifices are justified—and even necessary—when the greater good of society is at stake.
Social Cohesion
The saying suggests that the health and flourishing of a community depend on individuals subordinating their private pleasures for the collective benefit, promoting unity and stability.
Classical and Civic Ideals
This principle echoes classical republican thought, from ancient Rome to Renaissance humanism, where the commonwealth ('res publica') was elevated above private interest. It was foundational for political and moral philosophy throughout early modern Europe.
Historical Governance
The proverb often served as a touchstone in debates over governance, law, and leadership—especially in periods of political upheaval—justifying public policies that limited private freedoms for the sake of communal prosperity.
Psychological and Moral Challenge
Psychologically, the proverb acknowledges the tension between self-interest and altruism, and offers an aspirational standard for ethical behavior, challenging individuals to look beyond immediate gratification.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
Juxtaposes 'profit of the commonwealth' with 'private pleasure' to emphasize the moral choice between collective and individual good.
Parallelism
The balanced phrasing enhances clarity and memorability, reinforcing the ideal of choosing the public over the private.
Didactic Tone
The instructive, normative quality of the proverb positions it as a moral maxim, guiding personal and political decision-making.
Transcription
Quotations
Preferring . . the profit of the common-wealth before her own private pleasure.
Preferring a publicke profite before a priuate benefite . . he was the cause that the whole roote did florish.
But private cause must yield to public good.
Preferre not a priuate grudge before a common griefe.
Priuate welfare, is not to be preferred before common-weale.
A generall good is alwaies to be respected before a particular.
How far a public Regard should be deferr'd before your private Desire of vengeance!
To the public good Private respects must yield.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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