“When the candles are out all women are fair.”
This ancient proverb, attributed to the Greek historian and philosopher Plutarch, has echoed through centuries. It is a simple statement with complex layers. On the surface, it speaks a literal truth about darkness obscuring physical features. However, the quote invites us to look deeper. It questions our perception of beauty, the value we place on appearance, and the very nature of fairness itself. This saying is not just an old-timey observation. Indeed, it forces us to confront timeless questions about inner worth versus outer looks, a debate that remains incredibly relevant in our image-obsessed world.
Let’s explore the origins, multiple meanings, and modern-day implications of this provocative and enduring piece of wisdom.
The World of Plutarch
To truly understand the quote, we must first understand the man and the era that produced it. Plutarch was a prominent Greek thinker who lived from approximately 46 to 120 AD, during the height of the Roman Empire. He was a prolific writer, best known for his works Parallel Lives and Moralia. These collections of biographies and essays explored ethics, virtue, and human nature. Consequently, his observations were deeply rooted in the cultural norms and philosophical currents of his time.
Beauty and Society in Ancient Times
The Greco-Roman world placed immense value on physical beauty, particularly in women. Source Society held specific ideals for female appearance, often centered on youth, symmetry, and fair skin. Philosophers like Plato connected physical beauty to divine goodness, but daily life was often more superficial. A woman’s appearance could significantly impact her social standing and marriage prospects. Therefore, Plutarch’s statement emerged from a culture that was, in many ways, fixated on looks. This context makes his words all the more powerful, suggesting a reality beyond these strict societal standards.
Unpacking the Layers of Meaning
Plutarch’s proverb is not a one-dimensional statement. Its meaning shifts depending on the lens through which we view it. People have interpreted it in several distinct ways over the centuries, ranging from the deeply philosophical to the rather cynical.
The Literal and Equalizing Power of Darkness
At its most basic level, the quote is about perception. In a room devoid of light, the eye cannot distinguish fine details. Physical features, whether considered beautiful or plain by society, simply disappear. In this sense, darkness is an equalizer. It strips away the superficial judgments we make based on appearance. Everyone is rendered equal when the primary tool of visual assessment is gone. This interpretation is simple, direct, and undeniably true. It highlights how much of our judgment is tied directly to what we can see.
A Call to Value Inner Beauty
A more philosophical reading suggests the quote champions inner worth. The