Meaning & Analysis
The speaker resolves not to experience a state of 'want' or lack, regardless of their circumstances—neither when they possess resources nor when they are without them.
Insights
Philosophy of Contentment
The proverb advocates for a philosophy of contentment, urging one to enjoy resources when available ('want not when I have') and to face periods of lack with equanimity ('want not when I have not'). It decouples happiness from material wealth.
Rejection of Self-Imposed Want
It serves as a warning against excessive frugality or miserliness, where the fear of future scarcity prevents the enjoyment of present abundance. This self-denial is framed as a foolish and unnecessary form of suffering.
Carpe Diem Mentality
The proverb champions living in the moment by refusing to let anxiety about the future spoil the present. It is a declaration of intent to enjoy life's pleasures as they come, rather than perpetually saving for a disaster that may never occur.
Critique of Miserliness
This proverb critiques the psychological state of the miser, who lives in a self-imposed state of want even amidst plenty. The 1666 quotation 'to wax poor in the midst of Gold' captures this paradox, highlighting that the fear of future poverty can create a present reality of deprivation.
Stoic Undertones
The proverb contains echoes of Stoic philosophy, which emphasizes that inner contentment should be independent of external material conditions. It champions a form of psychological resilience where one's state of mind is not dictated by abundance or scarcity.
Psychology of Scarcity
Jonathan Swift's 1738 formulation, 'make two wants of one', brilliantly dissects the proverb's logic. The first 'want' is the future, potential scarcity; the second is the needless, self-inflicted 'want' of the present. The proverb is a resolution to avoid this doubling of misery.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb is built on the stark contrast between 'have' and 'have not', creating a memorable parallel structure that encompasses all possible material conditions.
Paradox
The statement 'not want when I have' presents an initial paradox, forcing the listener to reconsider the meaning of 'want' as a psychological state of anxiety rather than a literal lack of resources.
Declarative Voice
The use of 'I will not' gives the proverb a strong, personal, and resolute tone. It is not merely an observation but a declaration of a personal philosophy.
Transcription
Quotations
To wax poor in the midst of Gold, viz. to want when one hath, as well as when one hath not, to die for love, and starve in a Cooks shop.
*Somerset
Whilst still his word is, Let's not pinch whilst we have it, since 'tis time enough to want when we have it not.
(when I have it; and have it not too).
I don't love to make two wants of one; want when I have it, and want when I have it not.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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