Meaning & Analysis
For a wise person, there is no disgrace in being seen entering or leaving a brothel; the true shame lies in entering for foolish reasons or becoming so entangled in its affairs that one cannot easily leave.
Insights
Navigating Moral Hazard
The 'bawdyhouse' symbolizes any morally hazardous environment, such as a corrupt political court, a risky business venture, or a decadent social circle. The proverb advises that engaging with such dangers is not inherently shameful; the failure is in being consumed or corrupted by them.
Wisdom Through Experience
The proverb champions the idea that wisdom involves understanding the world in its entirety, including its darker aspects. A wise person can explore and learn from unsavory situations without losing their integrity. The shame is not in the exploration, but in succumbing to the folly within it.
Appearance vs. Integrity
It underscores the difference between superficial appearances and internal character. Society may judge a person for associating with a 'bad' place, but the proverb argues that the real moral test is maintaining one's principles and purpose ('knowing the way out') regardless of the setting.
Philosophical Roots in Cynicism
The proverb is deeply rooted in Cynic philosophy, as evidenced by the 1637 quotation referencing Diogenes. The Cynics deliberately flouted social conventions to expose hypocrisy and seek wisdom in unconventional places. The 'wise' person, therefore, is not one who avoids temptation, but one who can engage with it for a higher purpose—like observation or understanding—without being corrupted.
Critique of Superficial Morality
This proverb makes a sophisticated distinction between situational ethics and absolute morality. It argues against judging individuals merely by their associations or the environments they frequent. The true measure of character is not avoidance of 'sinful' places, but the ability to navigate them with purpose and self-control, a theme prevalent in Jacobean drama which explored moral ambiguity.
Psychology of Entrapment
Psychologically, 'not to know the way out' serves as a powerful metaphor for the loss of self-control, addiction, or moral entanglement. It highlights the cognitive dissonance required to enter a compromising situation believing one is immune to its effects, only to become trapped by the very temptations one sought to observe or master.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb is built on a sharp contrast between an acceptable action (entering a brothel with purpose) and a shameful one (losing oneself within it), creating a memorable moral lesson.
Paradox
It presents a seemingly contradictory statement—that entering a place of vice is not a vice—to challenge conventional thinking and force a deeper consideration of what constitutes true wisdom and moral failure.
Symbolism
The 'bawdyhouse' serves as a potent symbol for temptation and corruption, while 'knowing the way out' symbolizes self-control, wisdom, and maintaining one's moral compass.
Transcription
Quotations
What Diogenes have we here? I warrant the Cinnick himselfe sayd not so much when he was seene to come out of a Bawdy house. —He sham'd not to come out, but held it sinne Not to be pardon'd, to be seene goe in.
Art not thou asham'd to bee seene come out of a prison. —No Gods my Judge, but I was asham'd to goe into prison.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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