Gold is a precious chemical element that emits spectacular glitter. However, glitter is also a characteristic of a lot of other substances. Furthermore, these substances are not gold and are of inferior quality. In relation to this, a wise saying came into existence.

This wise saying is “all that glitters is not gold”. Most noteworthy, the phrase essentially means that not everything that is shiny is valuable. This is because something’s can be superficially attractive only.

The proverb ‘ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD’ is a statement that conveys against falsehood. The proverb means that all things that shine and glitters are not appealing and useful for us. Gold is a pure metal that shines and glitters, but not all things that shine, and sparkle become Gold. Before getting influenced by the glittery outer appearances, one should ensure the inner qualities of a person or thing.

The real value of an object does not depend upon its appearances, as appearances are often deceptive. An individual tends to disguise under various circumstances under those shiny and glittery appearances to survive in this world. Thus, the proverb reflects the outlook of life and that one should believe and never regret life choices. In life we meet a lot of people and come across numerous things. Many people appear to be extremely warm and friendly initially. However, in most cases as we get to know them we find out that they are not that nice.

Their actual personality is hidden behind the fake mask they wear to build relationships for their personal gain. The saying ‘all that glitters is not gold’ has evolved from the old phrase ‘all that glisters is not gold’ which was coined by the famous English author, William Shakespeare. It found mention in his play, The Merchant of Venice published back in 1596.

‘Glister’ was eventually replaced by ‘glitter’ as the phrase gained popularity. John Dryden used the phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ in his poem, The Hind and the Panther in the year 1687. “All, as they say, that glitters, is not gold”, he wrote. The phrase is used universally to emphasize the fact that everything that seems beautiful or good may not actually be nice. Good and beautiful objects have always swayed human nature. Nevertheless, people fall prey to the temptation of external beauty, for only wise people learn from the experience of others. A person may put up a false show of kindness, charity, love, respect, and other kinds of virtues. That artful pretense of such people showing their true colors even sways them. A person may pretend to be virtuous, hiding his flaws.

One cannot judge a person from his smiling face or cheerful appearance. Most of the time, false masks, faces and appearances cover them. In fact, it has been proved many times that people have hidden their true selves in order to reach the highest ladder of success. People often make use of tricks, cunningness, hypocrisy, and flattery in order to achieve their dreams. They hide their inner reality of vanity and hollowness by amazing and blinding shows of grave morality.

It is in fact very easy to fool and misguide people by putting on a garb of goodness by means of fine dresses and speeches. The human mind is so gullible and naive that good manners and good appearances of such people often sway them. Celebrities from the entertainment industry and leaders from the world of politics are notable examples. From the outside, the show business looks attractive and enticing to figure in. The glamorous world of entertainment depends on the outer beauty of the actors. People are often influenced by glamour, following these actors without knowing what they really are from inside and how they struggle to achieve a position.

To be in line with the teachings of "all that glitters is not gold," people, mostly young college students, should learn the importance of staying rational to avoid being lured by material greed. Since every person's senses must acknowledge a glittering object's appearance, it may always turn out not to be gold when rational, logical thinking is applied. Thus, every individual must make a sensible and logical decision before engaging in anything that seems to be appealing.

Lastly, choosing friends has been among the aspects that apply most bits of "all glitters is not gold. Some liars tend to be too nice during face-to-face meetings just to win other people's hearts for friendship. However, such people tend to portray most enmity when talking behind our bars, thus proving the saying, "all that glitters is not gold." In conclusion, “All that glitters is not gold” is the belief system of a logical and intelligent person. The statement reflects a mature outlook on life.

“All that glitters is not gold” is certainly an age-old mantra that shall always remain relevant. The one who believes in this would almost never regret his life choices.

Published in The Daily National Courier, November, 04 2022

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