He that speaks ill of the mare will buy her.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote encapsulates a profound observation about human behavior and the consequences of our words. At its core, it suggests a fundamental truth: those who criticize or speak negatively about something or someone may eventually find themselves in a situation where they have to deal with that very thing or person.
Imagine a scenario where someone disparages a horse, specifically a mare, perhaps commenting on its appearance, temperament, or abilities. By doing so, they are not only expressing their negative opinion but also unwittingly setting themselves up for a potential irony. The phrase "will buy her" serves as a metaphorical twist, implying that the person who speaks ill of the mare may end up in a position where they have to purchase or acquire her, despite their initial criticism.
On a deeper level, this quote highlights the concept of karma or the idea that our actions and words have consequences that eventually come back to us. It underscores the interconnectedness of our thoughts, speech, and actions, suggesting that what we put out into the world often finds its way back to us in some form or another.
Moreover, this quote speaks to the power of manifestation and the role our words play in shaping our reality. When we vocalize negativity or criticism, we are not just expressing an opinion; we are potentially influencing our future experiences. In this sense, it serves as a cautionary reminder to be mindful of what we say and how we say it, recognizing the impact our words can have on our own lives.
Additionally, the quote may also be interpreted as a commentary on hypocrisy and the discrepancy between what people say and what they ultimately do. It suggests that those who engage in slander or criticism may find themselves in a position where they contradict their own words, either by directly engaging with the object of their criticism or by facing similar circumstances.
Overall, this quote encourages introspection and mindfulness in our interactions with others and the world around us. It urges us to consider the power of our words and the potential repercussions of speaking negatively, reminding us that what goes around often comes around.
Who said the quote?
The quote "He that speaks ill of the mare will buy her." is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Bio / Quotes). Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, writer, and inventor who played a key role in the founding of the United States.
What are Benjamin Franklin's Best Quotes?
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Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
The quote "He that speaks ill of the mare will buy her" suggests that those who criticize or denigrate something often end up having to deal with it themselves, whether they like it or not. A historical example that vividly illustrates this message is the case of Thomas Jefferson and the Louisiana Purchase.
In the early 1800s, Thomas Jefferson, then President of the United States, was a strong advocate for the expansion of the country. The opportunity to acquire the Louisiana Territory from France, which would significantly increase the size of the United States, arose during his presidency. However, Jefferson faced substantial criticism from some quarters. His political opponents and even some of his fellow Democratic-Republicans questioned the constitutionality of the purchase and the financial implications it would entail. They argued that the acquisition was imprudent and would overextend the country's resources.
Despite these criticisms, Jefferson proceeded with the purchase in 1803. The Louisiana Purchase, which cost about $15 million, nearly doubled the size of the United States and opened up vast new territories for exploration and settlement. The critics who had spoken ill of the purchase had to face the reality that the acquisition proved to be one of the most beneficial deals in American history, contributing to the nation's growth and prosperity.
This historical example illustrates the quote well: those who criticized the purchase ended up having to confront the undeniable success and value that the deal brought to the United States.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
In real life, the quote "He that speaks ill of the mare will buy her" can be applied to various situations where people disparage something only to find themselves involved with it later. For example, consider a workplace scenario involving a new project management system being introduced in a company.
Imagine a team member who frequently criticizes the new system, calling it cumbersome and inefficient, and expressing doubts about its potential benefits. This team member might publicly complain about the time and effort required to learn and adapt to the system. However, despite these complaints, the team member is eventually assigned to lead the project using the new system.
Initially, the team member’s criticisms may seem justified if the system is indeed challenging to navigate. However, as they work with it more, they may discover its advantages and capabilities. They will have to acknowledge the system’s strengths and the reasons behind its implementation. The very criticisms they made will come back to them as they have to manage the project using the system they once disparaged.
This scenario demonstrates the quote's message in a practical sense: those who denigrate or speak ill of something may eventually find themselves in a position where they have to engage with it more directly. Their initial criticisms may have to be reconciled with the reality of the situation they find themselves in. This can serve as a reminder to approach new ideas or changes with an open mind and to recognize their potential before passing judgment.
Applying the quote to your life
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Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
