Meaning & Analysis
There is a significant gap, or a long journey, between the act of saying something and the act of actually doing it.
Insights
Intention vs. Execution
The proverb highlights the vast difference between merely stating an intention and committing to the effort, overcoming obstacles, and demonstrating the discipline required to bring it to fruition. The 'space' symbolizes the challenges that test one's resolve.
Promise vs. Performance
It serves as a commentary on human reliability and the potential for hypocrisy. A person's true character and trustworthiness are measured by their actions, not their promises, and the proverb cautions against taking words at face value without evidence of performance.
The Complexity of Action
The proverb underscores the difficulty of translating abstract ideas into concrete reality. A concept may seem simple when spoken, but the 'great space' represents the unforeseen complexities, practical hurdles, and sheer hard work involved in its actual implementation.
Political and Social Critique
This proverb serves as a timeless critique of political and social rhetoric, where grand promises (words) often remain unfulfilled due to a lack of political will, resources, or integrity (the 'great space'). It highlights the gap between proclaimed policy and actual implementation that has been a constant feature of governance throughout history.
The Intention-Action Gap
Psychologically, the proverb articulates the 'intention-action gap', a well-documented phenomenon where individuals fail to translate their stated intentions into behavior. The 'space' represents cognitive biases, procrastination, and the self-regulatory challenges that prevent people from following through on their goals.
Philosophical Resonance
Philosophically, the proverb resonates with existentialist thought, which posits that individuals are defined by their actions ('deeds') rather than their thoughts or declarations ('words'). It underscores the principle that commitment and character are demonstrated, not merely spoken.
Rhetorical Devices
Spatial Metaphor
The proverb's central power comes from its use of a spatial metaphor ('space' or 'distance') to represent abstract concepts like difficulty, time, and effort, making the gap between saying and doing feel tangible and significant.
Antithesis
It is structured around the direct and powerful contrast between 'words' and 'deeds'. This antithesis creates a memorable tension that effectively communicates the proverb's core message about the dichotomy between speech and action.
Parallel Structure
The simple, balanced structure 'From X to Y is Z' provides a rhythmic and easily remembered formula, enhancing its proverbial quality and ensuring its persistence in language.
Transcription
Quotations
Betwene doing and saying ther is great space.
There is a great distance betwixt the worde and the deede.
There is 'tweene (most) mens word and deed, great space, and but a little speed.
For to doe and to say, goe a severall way.
There's a good distance 'twixt the word and the deed.
There is a large distance betwixt the saying and the deed.
Ther's a great space twixt saying and doing.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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