Meaning & Analysis
What is said in the evening is often different from what is said the next morning, implying that a person's words, mood, and intentions can change overnight.
Insights
The Fluidity of Human Nature
The proverb serves as a metaphor for the changeable and inconsistent nature of human character. It suggests that a person's mood, opinions, and promises are fluid and can shift dramatically with time and circumstance.
Unreliability of Promises
It highlights the unreliability of promises made in a state of diminished rationality or heightened emotion, common in the evening. It cautions that 'evening' commitments may not withstand the scrutiny of 'morning' sobriety and reason.
The Shift in Perspective
'Evening' and 'morning' symbolize different states of mind or perspectives. An idea or decision conceived in the weariness or relaxation of the evening can appear entirely different after a night's rest and fresh reflection.
Psychology of Inconsistency
This proverb captures a key psychological insight into the fluctuation of human moods and intentions, influenced by factors like fatigue or social context. The 'evening' mind, often more emotional or less inhibited, makes declarations that the rational 'morning' mind may reconsider or retract.
Cross-Cultural Wisdom
The proverb's presence in both English and French (as shown in the Bacon and Cotgrave citations) points to a shared European cultural understanding of human fallibility and the importance of judging statements by the sober light of day.
A Social Precept
Functioning as a piece of practical social advice, the proverb warns against placing too much trust in promises or decisions made under the influence of nighttime conviviality, passion, or exhaustion. It advocates for morning clarity as the true test of commitment.
Rhetorical Devices
Antithesis
The proverb is built on the direct contrast between 'evening' and 'morning', effectively highlighting the central theme of change and contradiction.
Symbolism
'Evening' and 'morning' are used symbolically to represent different psychological states: emotion, fatigue, and potential irrationality versus clarity, reason, and sober reflection.
Parallelism
The balanced, symmetrical structure of the phrase enhances its rhythm and memorability, making the comparison direct and impactful.
Transcription
Quotations
Les paroles du soir ne sembles a celles du matin.
Les paroles du soir ne resemblent pas à celles du matin. He that giues thee a good morrow, may yet before night procure thy sorrow.
The euening chat's not like the mornings tattle.
The morning words agree not with those of the evening.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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