Meaning & Analysis
The proverb states a direct inverse relationship: as the societal importance and admiration for wealth increases, the value placed on moral excellence and ethical character decreases.
Insights
Competition of Values
The proverb serves as a metaphor for the zero-sum game of societal values. It suggests that honor and respect are finite resources; therefore, allocating more prestige to material wealth inherently diverts it from non-material qualities like integrity, honesty, and kindness.
Moral Corruption
It metaphorically describes the process of moral decay within a society or individual. 'Riches' symbolize a focus on external, superficial success, which, when 'honored,' actively erodes and displaces the internal, foundational principles of 'virtue'.
Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Worth
The proverb contrasts two opposing measures of human worth. 'Riches' represent an extrinsic, quantifiable metric, while 'virtue' represents intrinsic, qualitative character. The saying argues that a culture's focus on the former inevitably leads to the neglect and contempt of the latter.
Historical and Philosophical Context
This proverb reflects a timeless tension, particularly resonant in early modern Europe when the rise of a merchant class began to challenge aristocratic and religious value systems. It echoes classical philosophical warnings, such as Plato's concern in 'The Republic' that an oligarchic society's obsession with wealth inevitably leads to a decay in moral character.
Critique of Materialism
The proverb has profound modern relevance in critiques of consumer culture and capitalism, where the public celebration of wealth can overshadow or even conflict with ethical considerations. It suggests that what a society chooses to celebrate directly shapes its moral fabric.
Psychological Motivation
Psychologically, the proverb points to the concept of 'motivational crowding,' where external rewards (the honor given to riches) can diminish internal motivation (acting virtuously for its own sake). When societal validation is tied to wealth, the intrinsic rewards of moral behavior are devalued.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb is built on a stark antithesis between 'riches' and 'virtue', creating a powerful moral dichotomy that is both memorable and thought-provoking.
Parallelism
The parallel structure 'The more that... the more...' creates a rhythmic, balanced, and emphatic statement, reinforcing the cause-and-effect relationship it describes.
Abstract Language
The use of abstract nouns like 'riches' and 'virtue' lends the proverb a universal, philosophical weight, allowing it to function as a general law of human society rather than a specific observation.
Transcription
Quotations
The more that riches is honored, the more is vertue despised.
It is commonly seene, where riches are honored, there vertue is despised.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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