Children and fools have merry lives.
Meaning: Ignorance of life's burdens allows the young and simple-minded to experience uncomplicated joy.
Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.
More proverbs about Human Nature
- Children and chickens must be always picking. — Constant activity and foraging—whether physical or mental—keeps the young healthy, alert,…
- Children are certain cares, but very uncertain comforts. — Parenting demands unwavering responsibility while offspring's gratitude and success remai…
- Children suck the mother when they are young, and the father when they are old. — Offspring depend on maternal care initially, then seek paternal resources and guidance as…
- It's not the gay coat that makes the gentleman. — Fine clothing cannot manufacture character; true gentility emerges from conduct and virtu…
- Who goes worse shod than the cobbler's wife? — A craftsman's family often lacks what he could provide, neglecting loved ones while servi…
- I'll not change a cottage in possession for a kingdom in reversion. — Keeping what you securely own now matters more than chasing uncertain future rewards.
From our false friends
- Lectura — Actually means 'reading'. A lecture is una conferencia.
- Compromiso — Actually means 'commitment', 'obligation', or 'engagement'. For a negotiated compromise,…
- Gracioso — Actually means 'funny' or 'amusing'. For gracious (kind and polite), say amable.