If fools went not to market, bad ware would not be sold.
Meaning: Foolish buyers create demand for inferior goods, enabling unscrupulous sellers to profit from deception.
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 Morality
- Of all the crafts honesty is the master-craft. — Honesty forms the foundation enabling all other virtues and skills to function with genui…
- Good measure is a merry mean. — Moderation in quantity—whether food, drink, or spending—brings contentment without excess…
- It's good to be merry and wise. — Balancing joy with sound judgment ensures happiness doesn't lead to foolish decisions or…
- It is good to be merry at meat. — Nourishment tastes better and digests easier when eaten with joy rather than worry or has…
- Modesty is the handmaid of virtue. — Humble self-awareness prevents pride from corrupting your moral character and actions.
- A good name is better than riches. — Reputation and character endure longer than wealth and provide greater security across li…
From our idioms
- eat crow pie — To humble oneself because one has been proved wrong.
- fat cat — A rich but usually lazy person.
- fine kettle of fish — A terrible mess.