Meaning & Analysis
The world moves forward smoothly and easily, as if it were a carriage or cart running on wheels.
Insights
Effortless Progress and Good Fortune
The proverb signifies a state of effortless progress and success. When 'the world goes on wheels', life is proceeding smoothly, without difficulty or opposition, and everything is working out favorably.
Rapid and Uncontrolled Change
The wheels can also symbolize rapid, perhaps uncontrollable, change. This interpretation suggests that events are unfolding quickly, and while this may be exciting, it also carries a sense of instability or a lack of control over the situation.
General Prosperity and Smooth Operation
It can describe a period of general prosperity and ease in society. Affairs are advancing without hindrance, suggesting a well-ordered and thriving community where things are functioning as they should.
Symbolism of Technology
The wheel is a powerful symbol of technological advancement and civilization. The proverb, emerging in an era of increasing wheeled transport, equates personal or societal progress with the smooth, efficient motion of a carriage, linking good fortune to the cutting edge of contemporary technology.
Literary Ambiguity
The proverb's meaning is notably flexible, as seen in Shakespeare's works. In 'The Two Gentlemen of Verona', it implies achieving smooth success, while in 'Antony and Cleopatra', it suggests a chaotic, drunken revelry. This duality reflects both the positive momentum of progress and the potential for uncontrolled, rapid change.
Psychology of Momentum
The proverb captures the psychological feeling of being 'in the zone' or 'on a roll', where life feels effortless and obstacles seem to disappear. It speaks to a human desire for a frictionless existence, where personal and external circumstances align perfectly.
Ironic Downfall
A darker, ironic undertone is present in some uses, such as the 1607 Sharpham quote which links 'running on wheels' to being 'carted'—a form of public punishment. This suggests that a swift turn of fortune can also lead to a rapid downfall.
Rhetorical Devices
Metaphor
The core of the proverb is the metaphor of the 'world' as a wheeled vehicle. This powerfully conveys the abstract concepts of progress, ease, and speed in a simple, tangible image.
Kinetic Imagery
The proverb uses vivid kinetic imagery of a wheeled object in motion, creating a dynamic and memorable picture of events unfolding smoothly and swiftly.
Personification
By attributing the action of 'going' or 'running' to the abstract 'world', the proverb personifies global or personal affairs, giving them a sense of agency and momentum.
Transcription
Quotations
As folk ring bees with basons, the world ronth on wheles.
I may hange for yow the lett all go a wheles.
Nay, nay, deare mother, this world goeth on wheeles.
Seeing the world to goe on wheeles, and backward in his course, in exalting the wicked.
And next a traine of gallants at my heeles, That men may say, the world doth run on wheeles.
They say, 'twill shortly runne vppon wheeles with me, for my Maister sweares a will haue me carted.
(runneth).
The proud Gallant . . and his adorned Lady . . are Riders too . . the world with them runnes vpon wheeles; and they . . out runne it.
The world is changed with him, it runs not now vpon wheeles.
Now you are come ashore, you think the world runs on wheels, and that all the world is oat-meal.
Shakespeare Citations
Then may I set the world on wheels.
The third part [of the world] . . is drunk. Would it were all, That it might go on wheels!
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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