All that glitters is not gold

The literal meaning of this proverb is that not everything that is shiny and superficially attractive is valuable. A piece of metal may be coated with gold, it may glitter but that does not mean that it is gold and it is highly valuable. Mere external look and appearance is not a sure sign of excellence. In short appearances are deceptive. Anything and everything that looks attractive and tempting from outside may not be actually so. On the other hand something unattractive and not tempting may actually be very valuable. 

In everyday life we come across persons who are very showy, they dress in the costliest clothes and jewels, move around in highly prized vehicles and show off in each and every way possible. They behave as if they are very good people . However in fact they may not be so.

While judging people we should not do so by their looks. Mahatma Gandhi wore simple clothes, but he is still held in great reverence throughout the world. Abraham Lincoln was not endowed with good looks. But he is considered as the greatest American President. Mother Teresa had a very simple appearance. But people all over the world remember and respect her. So it is only fair to say that all that glitters is not gold.

A movie or show with high publicity, best cast may actually have baseless content. On the other hand a movie or show with lesser publicity may actually be highly entertaining and worth watching. We must not jump to conclusions about the merits or demerits of anything merely on the basis of the way it is packaged. In this age of advertisement, products are packaged very attractively to lure customers. The product may not be worth the attractive package. 

We should be able to safeguard ourselves against deception . We should be able to judge by experience and reality. While judging we should be guided more by our minds than by our eyes. We should carefully understand the nature of men and not judge them by their outward appearances. 

Appearances are often deceptive. External appearance may be very attractive. But a proper examination will reveal the truth. Every shinning metal is not gold.

This proverb thus teaches us that it is human tendency to form a opinion based on external appearance. This is very wrong. Take your time and examine the ins and outs thoroughly, only thereafter we should make Very often, things are not what they seem to be. We often form our opinion bout objects on the basic of superficial impression. One should only then form an opinion.