all that glitters is not gold essay

All That Glitters Is Not Gold Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on all that glitters is not gold.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold Essay – 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 somethings can be superficially attractive only.

Reasons Why All that Glitters Is Not Gold

First of all, people act in a charming manner when they try to deceive. This charm can certainly fool many people. Most noteworthy, if somebody is being nice to you does not mean they have your best interests in mind. Moreover, they may behave in a pleasant way but it does not mean they are telling the truth.

The idea of all that glitters could evoke thoughts of splendor or superficial beauty. However, people must not allow themselves to be blinded by material appearances. Most noteworthy, people must look into the core of things and make informed judgments about them.

One must stay rational and not be deceived by material greed. Furthermore, a person’s senses may perceive something to be glitter. However, it may turn out to be not gold when a person uses rational logical thinking . Hence, one must always be rational and logical when it comes to decisions.

It often happens, that something that is too good turns out to be useless. Whenever someone offers you something too good to be true, it is a warning sign. Probably, this thing being offered is not what it seems. If someone offers such a thing, just take a step back and think about it critically. Consequently, one must analyze that thing from every angle before making a decision.

Finally, false friends are the last reason. Some friends may be nice to us face to face. However, they talk negatively about us behind our backs. This is a clear case of “all that glitters is not gold”.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

All That Glitters Is Not Gold Real Life Examples

Poor people often get fascinated by the lifestyle of wealthy people. Furthermore, they have a strong desire to become rich and wealthy. However, what they don’t realize is that rich people have problems of their own. Most noteworthy, many rich people have many family problems and suffer from depression.

Another good example can be a good appearance. A person who wears nice expensive clothes quickly wins the admiration of many. However, such a person may be an evil person and completely unethical.

The entertainment industry is also a notable example. From the outside, the entertainment appears very attractive and interesting to work in. The glamour associated with the entertainment industry makes people obsessed with it. However, the inside reality is quite dark. Most noteworthy, several struggling actors are made to do disgraceful things in order to succeed.

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.

Customize your course in 30 seconds

Which class are you in.

• Travelling Essay
• Picnic Essay
• Our Country Essay
• My Parents Essay
• Essay on Favourite Personality
• Essay on Memorable Day of My Life
• Essay on Knowledge is Power
• Essay on Gurpurab
• Essay on My Favourite Season
• Essay on Types of Sports

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Download the App

• CBSE Class 10th
• CBSE Class 12th
• UP Board 10th
• UP Board 12th
• Bihar Board 10th
• Bihar Board 12th
• Top Schools in India
• Top Schools in Delhi
• Top Schools in Mumbai
• Top Schools in Chennai
• Top Schools in Hyderabad
• Top Schools in Kolkata
• Top Schools in Pune
• Top Schools in Bangalore

Products & Resources

• JEE Main Knockout April
• Free Sample Papers
• Free Ebooks
• NCERT Notes
• NCERT Syllabus
• NCERT Books
• RD Sharma Solutions
• Navodaya Vidyalaya Admission 2024-25
• NCERT Solutions
• NCERT Solutions for Class 12
• NCERT Solutions for Class 11
• NCERT solutions for Class 10
• NCERT solutions for Class 9
• NCERT solutions for Class 8
• NCERT Solutions for Class 7
• JEE Main 2024
• MHT CET 2024
• JEE Advanced 2024
• BITSAT 2024
• View All Engineering Exams
• Colleges Accepting B.Tech Applications
• Top Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in India
• Engineering Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Engineering Colleges Accepting JEE Main
• Top IITs in India
• Top NITs in India
• Top IIITs in India
• JEE Main College Predictor
• JEE Main Rank Predictor
• MHT CET College Predictor
• AP EAMCET College Predictor
• GATE College Predictor
• KCET College Predictor
• JEE Advanced College Predictor
• View All College Predictors
• JEE Main Question Paper
• JEE Main Cutoff
• JEE Main Answer Key
• SRMJEEE Result
• Download E-Books and Sample Papers
• Compare Colleges
• B.Tech College Applications
• JEE Advanced Registration
• MAH MBA CET Exam
• View All Management Exams

Colleges & Courses

• MBA College Admissions
• MBA Colleges in India
• Top IIMs Colleges in India
• Top Online MBA Colleges in India
• MBA Colleges Accepting XAT Score
• BBA Colleges in India
• XAT College Predictor 2024
• SNAP College Predictor
• NMAT College Predictor
• MAT College Predictor 2024
• CMAT College Predictor 2024
• CAT Percentile Predictor 2023
• CAT 2023 College Predictor
• CMAT 2024 Registration
• TS ICET 2024 Registration
• CMAT Exam Date 2024
• MAH MBA CET Cutoff 2024
• Download Helpful Ebooks
• List of Popular Branches
• QnA - Get answers to your doubts
• IIM Fees Structure
• AIIMS Nursing
• Top Medical Colleges in India
• Top Medical Colleges in India accepting NEET Score
• Medical Colleges accepting NEET
• List of Medical Colleges in India
• List of AIIMS Colleges In India
• Medical Colleges in Maharashtra
• Medical Colleges in India Accepting NEET PG
• NEET College Predictor
• NEET PG College Predictor
• NEET MDS College Predictor
• DNB CET College Predictor
• DNB PDCET College Predictor
• NEET Application Form 2024
• NEET PG Application Form 2024
• NEET Cut off
• NEET Online Preparation
• Download Helpful E-books
• LSAT India 2024
• Colleges Accepting Admissions
• Top Law Colleges in India
• Law College Accepting CLAT Score
• List of Law Colleges in India
• Top Law Colleges in Delhi
• Top Law Collages in Indore
• Top Law Colleges in Chandigarh
• Top Law Collages in Lucknow

Predictors & E-Books

• CLAT College Predictor
• MHCET Law ( 5 Year L.L.B) College Predictor
• AILET College Predictor
• Sample Papers
• Compare Law Collages
• Careers360 Youtube Channel
• CLAT Syllabus 2025
• CLAT Previous Year Question Paper
• AIBE 18 Result 2023
• NID DAT Exam
• Pearl Academy Exam

Predictors & Articles

• NIFT College Predictor
• UCEED College Predictor
• NID DAT College Predictor
• NID DAT Syllabus 2025
• NID DAT 2025
• Design Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in India
• Top Interior Design Colleges in India
• Top Graphic Designing Colleges in India
• Fashion Design Colleges in Delhi
• Fashion Design Colleges in Mumbai
• Fashion Design Colleges in Bangalore
• Top Interior Design Colleges in Bangalore
• NIFT Result 2024
• NIFT Fees Structure
• NIFT Syllabus 2025
• Free Design E-books
• List of Branches
• Careers360 Youtube channel
• IPU CET BJMC
• JMI Mass Communication Entrance Exam
• IIMC Entrance Exam
• Media & Journalism colleges in Delhi
• Media & Journalism colleges in Bangalore
• Media & Journalism colleges in Mumbai
• List of Media & Journalism Colleges in India
• CA Intermediate
• CA Foundation
• CS Executive
• CS Professional
• Difference between CA and CS
• Difference between CA and CMA
• CA Full form
• CMA Full form
• CS Full form
• CA Salary In India

Top Courses & Careers

• Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com)
• Master of Commerce (M.Com)
• Company Secretary
• Cost Accountant
• Charted Accountant
• Credit Manager
• Financial Advisor
• Top Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Government Commerce Colleges in India
• Top Private Commerce Colleges in India
• Top M.Com Colleges in Mumbai
• Top B.Com Colleges in India
• IT Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• IT Colleges in Uttar Pradesh
• MCA Colleges in India
• BCA Colleges in India

Quick Links

• Information Technology Courses
• Programming Courses
• Web Development Courses
• Data Analytics Courses
• Big Data Analytics Courses
• RUHS Pharmacy Admission Test
• Top Pharmacy Colleges in India
• Pharmacy Colleges in Pune
• Pharmacy Colleges in Mumbai
• Colleges Accepting GPAT Score
• Pharmacy Colleges in Lucknow
• List of Pharmacy Colleges in Nagpur
• GPAT Result
• GPAT 2024 Admit Card
• GPAT Question Papers
• NCHMCT JEE 2024
• Mah BHMCT CET
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Delhi
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Hyderabad
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Mumbai
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Tamil Nadu
• Top Hotel Management Colleges in Maharashtra
• B.Sc Hotel Management
• Hotel Management
• Diploma in Hotel Management and Catering Technology

Diploma Colleges

• Top Diploma Colleges in Maharashtra
• UPSC IAS 2024
• SSC CGL 2024
• IBPS RRB 2024
• Previous Year Sample Papers
• Free Competition E-books
• Sarkari Result
• QnA- Get your doubts answered
• UPSC Previous Year Sample Papers
• CTET Previous Year Sample Papers
• SBI Clerk Previous Year Sample Papers
• NDA Previous Year Sample Papers

Upcoming Events

• NDA Application Form 2024
• UPSC IAS Application Form 2024
• CDS Application Form 2024
• CTET Admit card 2024
• HP TET Result 2023
• SSC GD Constable Admit Card 2024
• UPTET Notification 2024
• SBI Clerk Result 2024

Other Exams

• SSC CHSL 2024
• UP PCS 2024
• UGC NET 2024
• RRB NTPC 2024
• IBPS PO 2024
• IBPS Clerk 2024
• IBPS SO 2024
• Top University in USA
• Top University in Canada
• Top University in Ireland
• Top Universities in UK
• Top Universities in Australia
• Best MBA Colleges in Abroad
• Business Management Studies Colleges

Top Countries

• Study in USA
• Study in UK
• Study in Canada
• Study in Australia
• Study in Ireland
• Study in Germany
• Study in China
• Study in Europe

Student Visas

• Student Visa Canada
• Student Visa UK
• Student Visa USA
• Student Visa Australia
• Student Visa Germany
• Student Visa New Zealand
• Student Visa Ireland
• CUET PG 2024
• IGNOU B.Ed Admission 2024
• DU Admission 2024
• UP B.Ed JEE 2024
• LPU NEST 2024
• IIT JAM 2024
• IGNOU Online Admission 2024
• Universities in India
• Top Universities in India 2024
• Top Colleges in India
• Top Universities in Uttar Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Bihar
• Top Universities in Madhya Pradesh 2024
• Top Universities in Tamil Nadu 2024
• Central Universities in India
• CUET Exam City Intimation Slip 2024
• IGNOU Date Sheet
• CUET Mock Test 2024
• CUET Admit card 2024
• CUET PG Syllabus 2024
• CUET Participating Universities 2024
• CUET Previous Year Question Paper
• CUET Syllabus 2024 for Science Students
• E-Books and Sample Papers
• CUET Exam Pattern 2024
• CUET Exam Date 2024
• CUET Syllabus 2024
• IGNOU Exam Form 2024
• IGNOU Result
• CUET Courses List 2024

Engineering Preparation

• Knockout JEE Main 2024
• Test Series JEE Main 2024
• JEE Main 2024 Rank Booster

Medical Preparation

• Knockout NEET 2024
• Test Series NEET 2024
• Rank Booster NEET 2024

Online Courses

• JEE Main One Month Course
• NEET One Month Course
• IBSAT Free Mock Tests
• IIT JEE Foundation Course
• Knockout BITSAT 2024
• Career Guidance Tool

Top Streams

• IT & Software Certification Courses
• Engineering and Architecture Certification Courses
• Programming And Development Certification Courses
• Business and Management Certification Courses
• Marketing Certification Courses
• Health and Fitness Certification Courses
• Design Certification Courses

Specializations

• Digital Marketing Certification Courses
• Cyber Security Certification Courses
• Artificial Intelligence Certification Courses
• Business Analytics Certification Courses
• Data Science Certification Courses
• Cloud Computing Certification Courses
• Machine Learning Certification Courses
• View All Certification Courses
• UG Degree Courses
• PG Degree Courses
• Short Term Courses
• Free Courses
• Online Degrees and Diplomas
• Compare Courses

Top Providers

• Coursera Courses
• Udemy Courses
• Edx Courses
• Swayam Courses
• upGrad Courses
• Simplilearn Courses
• Great Learning Courses

All That Glitters Is Not Gold Essay

In life, we meet a lot of new people and come across various things. Many people appear to be extremely warm and friendly initially but in most cases as we get to know them we find out that they are not what they show us to be. ‘All that Glitters is not Gold’ is an old phrase that indicates that everything that looks good may not actually be all that good. Read this article for essays on ‘All That Glitters Is Not Gold’.

100 Words Essay On All That Glitters Is Not Gold

200 words essay on all that glitters is not gold, 500 words essay on all that glitters is not gold.

The phrase "All that glitters is not gold" serves as a warning against deception. The proverb implies that we should not get attracted to or find utility in everything that glitters and shines. The real value of an object does not depend upon its appearances, as appearances are often deceptive. One should check the innate characteristics of a person or object before being swayed by the shiny exterior.

As it is said that appearances are sometimes deceiving, an object's true worth is independent of how it seems. To live in this society, people often disguise themselves under various conditions by putting on those glittery and shiny exteriors and tend to fool others. So, before we trust anybody, we must become sure of their intentions.

“All that glitters is not gold”, is a popular proverb, which implies that not everything that looks valuable or true will necessarily turn out to be like that. This applies to people, places, or things that claim to be more worthy than they actually are. William Shakespeare used this expression in his famous play, “The Merchant of Venice''. So, one should not form opinions about things or people based on their superficial appearance only. There is a need to look at the real nature and intrinsic value rather than being mesmerised by the glorious facade.

Story Of Aanchal

Aanchal was slightly overweight and desperately wanted to shed off the extra kilos quickly. Her doctor advised her to go on a mindful-eating regiment and take up a regular workout. Aanchal, instead, wanted something that could give her immediate results and took up a diet regime she had read about on social media, despite her doctor’s red signal against it. The diet required her to skip two meals and eat only once a day. In a month’s time, Anchal saw that she had drastically lost weight but her medical tests revealed that she had also become deficient in calcium and a few vitamins. She then realised that the diet that seemed very promising came with its own, long-lasting, side effects. Aanchal’s case is a reflection of how all that glitters is not gold.

Some things appear so shiny and glorious whereas from inside they are just hollow. Same goes for people as well. We cannot comprehend the truth behind the glossy outlook of a person from very far. Thus it is an old saying that ‘all that glitters is not gold’.

Appearances Are Often Deceptive

Looks can be beguiling. Gold is a valuable metal and it has an attractive shine to it, but it is not necessary that everything which shines like gold is precious since things that are not glittery may also possess immense value. This is also true in the case of humans. A person may put up a false show of kindness and other kinds of virtues but in reality they might not be that way. People often get swayed by the artful pretence of such people. We often form our opinion about objects on the basis of impersonation. One should always find out the true nature of things and try to find out the reality hidden behind their glory.

To serve their own wishes, wicked people often put on the garb of a virtuous man. They are deceptive, just like a wolf in sheep's clothing. One should not assess a person based just on their outward look. Most of the time, they are hidden by false masks, faces, and appearances. In reality, individuals sometimes conceal their genuine identities in an effort to climb the greatest level of accomplishment. Tricks, deceit, hypocrisy, and flattery are frequently used by people to further their goals. By astounding and confusing displays of extreme morality, they attempt to conceal their inner truth of hollowness and vanity. In reality, it is quite simple to deceive and mislead others by putting on a costume of goodness through elegant attire and remarks.

My Trip To Shimla

Last year, I planned a vacation to Shimla for a week. I reached out to an agent for my hotel bookings. He talked so highly of himself that he is very well- known in Shimla and that he would book the best hotel for me with beautiful scenery. The way he spoke with confidence seemed so promising that I believed him. I transferred the money to him for my bookings and later he stopped picking up my calls. I tried to reach out to the agency and to my shock I learned that the agent never worked there. I filed a complaint against him at the police station and he was charged heavily for my compensation. That day I realised that not everyone who speaks so highly is always speaking the truth.

Many things may superficially appear very attractive but when they are examined from closely, they prove to not be the same. One cannot judge the quality of a thing by seeing its exterior portion only. Every shining metal is not gold. Even a broken piece of glass that can do nothing but cut through flesh and make it bleed will shine with great glory as the sun rays fall upon its surface. But that reflection of prismatic colours does not change that wounding piece of glass into gold. A person may hide their flaws by acting virtuous.

Applications for Admissions are open.

JEE Main Important Physics formulas

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Physics formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters

UPES School of Liberal Studies

Ranked #52 Among Universities in India by NIRF | Up to 30% Merit-based Scholarships | Lifetime placement assistance | Last Date to Apply - 30th April

Aakash iACST Scholarship Test 2024

Get up to 90% scholarship on NEET, JEE & Foundation courses

JEE Main Important Chemistry formulas

As per latest 2024 syllabus. Chemistry formulas, equations, & laws of class 11 & 12th chapters

PACE IIT & Medical, Financial District, Hyd

Enrol in PACE IIT & Medical, Financial District, Hyd for JEE/NEET preparation

ALLEN JEE Exam Prep

Start your JEE preparation with ALLEN

Download Careers360 App's

Regular exam updates, QnA, Predictors, College Applications & E-books now on your Mobile

Certifications

We Appeared in

All That Glitters Is Not Gold Essay – A Deeper Insight

Dive into our comprehensive exploration of the prevalent proverb “All that glitters is not gold”. This essay unravels its multifaceted implications, highlighting the importance of discerning reality from deceptive appearances, a lesson that stands the test of time.

The popular saying, “All that glitters is not gold,” is an age-old proverb that has stood the test of time. This proverb delivers a profound message about the deceptive nature of appearances and the importance of delving beneath the surface to uncover reality.

Table of Contents

Unveiling the Truth – An Analytical Essay on “All That Glitters is Not Gold

The (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); illusion of appearance.

In our day-to-day lives, we often come across situations where things are not what they seem. Consider, for instance, the lustrous facade of social media with its curated feeds of seemingly perfect lives. These platforms often portray an illusion of euphoria, wealth, and happiness. But do these glittering images present the whole truth? Not necessarily. Beneath this glitter, there might be hidden stories of struggle, discontent, and dissatisfaction. Thus, the virtual world, much like the real world, reminds us that all that glitters is not gold.

The Importance of Judgment

In addition to the virtual world, this concept applies to our interactions with people as well. Often, we judge individuals based on outward appearances – their wealth, beauty, status, or charm. However, these attributes do not necessarily reflect a person’s character, worth, or integrity. History has countless examples of individuals with glittering facades who have turned out to be morally bankrupt, while those appearing modest and ordinary have often been of exceptional virtue. Hence, it is critical to look beyond appearances and make judgments based on intrinsic qualities, further reinforcing the adage, “All that glitters is not gold.”

“All that glitters is not gold” serves as a valuable reminder of the disparity between appearance and reality. It encourages us not to fall prey to the glittering illusion of external appearances but to probe deeper to uncover the truth. By doing so, we can avoid disappointments and make better judgments about people and situations around us. As we navigate our lives, the wisdom encapsulated in this age-old proverb will continue to guide us, reminding us to tread carefully in a world where appearances often deceive.

The Value of Substance Over Surface

When judging people or situations, it’s crucial to consider the substance rather than focusing on the surface. A person may look charming and friendly, but these traits can sometimes hide a less kindhearted nature. On the other hand, someone who appears quiet and reserved may possess a heart of gold. It’s essential to remember that the true measure of a person’s character lies in their actions and intentions, not in their outward appearance.

The Deception in Materialism

In the materialistic world we live in, the saying “All that glitters is not gold” has a significant resonance. People often equate success and happiness with wealth and material possessions. Indeed, these things can provide comfort, but they aren’t necessarily indicative of happiness or success. The pursuit of material wealth can sometimes lead people down a path of discontent and unfulfillment.

Conclusion: Beyond the Glitter

In conclusion, the saying, “All that glitters is not gold,” challenges us to look beyond the surface and find the inner truth of things. It is a reminder that appearances can be deceptive and that the real value of people and things often lies beneath the surface. It is, indeed, a lesson that everyone should learn, promoting the importance of wisdom and discernment in our decisions. The proverb remains a timeless guide, steering us towards genuine understanding and encouraging us to seek the truth that lies beneath the glitter.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The Meaning and Origin of the Phrase ‘All That Glitters Is Not Gold’

In this week’s Dispatches from The Secret Library , Dr Oliver Tearle explores the meaning – and literary origins – of a well-known phrase

‘All that glitters is not gold’. Who gave us that famous expression? William Shakespeare? Thomas Gray? That prolific but elusive author, ‘Anon’?

Many people attribute the phrase to Shakespeare – although, if we’re being pedantic, Shakespeare never said ‘all that glitters is not gold’. Nor (unless you think I’m being deliberately sly) did any of his characters.

However, a virtually identical expression does appear in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice . There are two main plot strands to The Merchant of Venice , both closely intertwined. The first involves Portia, the wealthy heiress of Belmont, who decides that she will marry whichever suitor picks the right casket when faced with a choice of three (made of gold, silver, and lead). A series of suitors present themselves to Portia and attempt to guess the correct casket.

I won’t offer too many spoilers here, but the Prince of Morocco, upon choosing the appealing gold casket, is greeted with failure – and some verse:

O hell, what have we here? A carrion death, within whose empty eye There is a written scroll. I’ll read the writing.

(reads) ‘All that glisters is not gold— Often have you heard that told. Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold. Gilded tombs do worms enfold. Had you been as wise as bold, Young in limbs, in judgment old, Your answer had not been inscrolled. Fare you well. Your suit is cold— Cold, indeed, and labour lost.’ Then, farewell, heat, and welcome, frost! Portia, adieu. I have too grieved a heart To take a tedious leave. Thus losers part.

‘All that glisters is not gold’, then: not quite ‘glitters’, although ‘glister’ has the same meaning as ‘glitters’.

The meaning of the phrase in Shakespeare’s play, of course, is that not everything is as good as it looks: the gold casket looks as though it promises riches of all kinds in the form of Portia’s dowry, but anyone choosing the gold casket is after her hand in marriage, not out of love for her, but for more mercenary reasons.

I’ve always thought that this scene must have influenced the writers of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade , in which the villain, Donavan, is attracted to the gold, bejewelled vessel which he believes must be the Holy Grail; but he’s been tricked and outvillained by Elsa, his accomplice. The real Grail is a much simpler cup, such as would have been made by a carpenter’s son.

It’s curious that one of the screenwriters on that film was Tom Stoppard, one of the leading playwrights of his generation, and someone who knows his Shakespeare inside out.

But Shakespeare’s use of ‘all that glitters is not gold’ (sorry, glisters ) – to mean that something which appears to be brilliant may not be all it’s cracked up to be – wasn’t the first use of the phrase.

The proverb, it turns out, was centuries old even when Shakespeare used it. Shakespeare wrote The Merchant of Venice in the 1590s. But we have to go back not to earlier in the sixteenth century, nor to the fifteenth century, nor even to the fourteenth, to find the earliest instance of ‘all that glitters is not gold’ (or a proverb with similar wording).

Hali Meidenhad was written in the West Midlands in around 1220. (It’s difficult for scholars to pin it down to a precise date, but they’ve narrowed it down to between 1190 and 1225.) Hali Meidenhad (i.e. ‘Holy Maidenhood’) is a prose tract: specifically, a religious homily whose main purposes was to encourage young women to enter religious life.

The poem is not just pro-church, but anti-marriage – at least where women are concerned. Don’t get married, the anonymous author commands them, but enter into a life of religious service: ‘get thee to a nunnery’, if you like.

And in Hali Meidenhad , we find these lines: ‘Nis hit nower neh gold al þat ter ſchineð’. Or, to render that semi-alien (but also semi-recognisable) Middle English into slightly more modern language: ‘nor is it not all gold that shineth’ (they had a thing about double and triple negatives in the Middle Ages: rather than two negatives cancelling each other out, they saw one as reinforcing another).

But in fact, the proverb was common currency in the Middle Ages. Later, in the fourteenth century, we find Geoffrey Chaucer writing in The House of Fame (c. 1380): ‘Hit is not al gold, that glareth’ (no need to translate that one). Indeed, Chaucer seems to have liked the phrase, for he used it again in his Canterbury Tales , in the Canon’s Yeoman’s Tale:

But al thyng which that shineth as the gold Nis nat gold, as that I have herd it told.

And in around 1440 we find Chaucer’s successor, John Lydgate , writing in his House of Princes : ‘Al is not gold that shyneth briht’.

So, in conclusion, as is made clear by the line which follows Shakespeare’s use (the most famous and oft-quoted of all instances of the phrase) of ‘all that glisters is not gold’: ‘Often have you heard that told’. Shakespeare often gets the credit for ‘coining’ words which were in existence before he was even born, but we tend to be more confident that the phrases and sayings he used were new when he used them. But certainly not in this case.

After Shakespeare, other writers picked up the proverb which had become something of a cliché already by then. Perhaps the most celebrated of these was Thomas Gray (1716-71), who concluded his ‘ Ode on the Death of a Favourite Cat, Drowned in a Tub of Goldfishes ’ with the proverb, with Gray, like Shakespeare, opting for the more poetic ‘glisters’:

From hence, ye beauties, undeceived, Know, one false step is ne’er retrieved, And be with caution bold. Not all that tempts your wandering eyes And heedless hearts, is lawful prize; Nor all that glisters, gold.

Discover more from Interesting Literature

Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.

Type your email…

2 thoughts on “The Meaning and Origin of the Phrase ‘All That Glitters Is Not Gold’”

Once again Shakespeare manages to create a more polished and memorable borrowed.

• Pingback: A Look at 30 Key Cyber Crime Statistics [2023 Data Update] - Hashed Out by The SSL Store™

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

Essay on All That Glitters is Not Gold

Students are often asked to write an essay on All That Glitters is Not Gold in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on All That Glitters is Not Gold

Introduction.

“All That Glitters is Not Gold” is a popular saying that suggests appearances can be deceiving. It means that not everything that looks valuable or true turns out to be so.

Understanding the Proverb

This proverb is a warning against false appearances. It encourages us to look beyond what we see on the surface. For example, a shiny apple may be rotten inside.

Application in Life

In life, we may meet people who appear kind but have bad intentions. Or, we may desire things that look good but are harmful.

In conclusion, it’s essential to judge things by their substance, not their appearance.

Also check:

• Paragraph on All That Glitters is Not Gold

250 Words Essay on All That Glitters is Not Gold

“All That Glitters is Not Gold” is a time-honored proverb that suggests appearances can be deceptive, and what seems valuable on the surface may be less than valuable upon closer inspection. This proverb has been used across cultures and generations to caution against making hasty judgments based on superficial appearances.

Application in Real Life

In our daily lives, we often get enticed by the external charm of things, people, or situations. For instance, a product with attractive packaging may not guarantee quality. Similarly, a person with a pleasing demeanor may not necessarily possess a virtuous character. Therefore, it is essential to delve deeper, beyond the surface, to ascertain the actual worth or truth.

Relevance in Today’s Digital Age

In the digital era, where social media platforms are rife with filtered realities, the proverb’s relevance is heightened. The glamorous lives portrayed online often mask the struggles and realities of life. It is crucial for us, especially the youth, to discern between the glittering facade and the underlying reality.

Wisdom and Discernment

The proverb ultimately teaches wisdom and discernment. It encourages us not to be swayed by outward appearances but to evaluate things based on their intrinsic value. This wisdom can guide us in making sound decisions in various aspects of life, be it relationships, career choices, or consumer behavior.

In conclusion, “All That Glitters is Not Gold” is a profound proverb that holds immense relevance in our lives. It serves as a reminder to look beyond the surface and value substance over appearance.

500 Words Essay on All That Glitters is Not Gold

“All That Glitters is Not Gold” is a well-known proverb that cautions us about the deceptive nature of appearances. In its essence, it conveys the message that not everything that looks precious or true turns out to be so. This proverb holds significant relevance in our lives, as we often fall prey to the illusion of the outer world, failing to comprehend the true value of people, things, and situations.

The Lure of the Surface

In today’s materialistic world, we are often attracted to the glitz and glamour without understanding the reality hidden beneath the surface. The allure of wealth, power, and fame can be overwhelming, leading us to make decisions based on superficial judgments. We are enticed by the glitter of material possessions, overlooking the fact that they do not necessarily guarantee happiness or contentment.

Unmasking the Reality

The phrase “All That Glitters is Not Gold” encourages us to look beyond the surface and discern the true nature of things. For instance, a person may appear charming and friendly on the outside, but their true character might be far from virtuous. Similarly, a job offer might seem lucrative due to a high salary package, but it might lack job satisfaction or growth opportunities. Hence, it is crucial to unmask the reality and not get swayed by the outward show.

Value of Inner Worth

The proverb underscores the importance of inner worth over outer appearance. It reminds us that the true value of a person or a thing lies in their inherent qualities, not in their outward show. A humble person with a kind heart is more valuable than a rich person with a mean spirit. Similarly, a simple job that gives satisfaction is better than a high-paying job that brings stress and unhappiness.

Application in Contemporary Society

In the age of social media, the proverb “All That Glitters is Not Gold” is more relevant than ever. We are constantly bombarded with images of perfect lives, leading us to believe that everyone else is happier, more successful, and more fulfilled than us. However, these curated images often hide the struggles, failures, and insecurities that people face in their real lives. Therefore, it is crucial not to compare our lives with the glittering images we see on social media, as they do not reflect the whole truth.

In conclusion, the proverb “All That Glitters is Not Gold” serves as a timeless reminder to look beyond appearances and value the inherent qualities of people and things. It encourages us to make decisions based on deeper understanding rather than superficial judgments. In a world where the superficial often overshadows the substantial, it is more important than ever to remember that not everything that glitters is gold.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

• Essay on Action Speaks Louder Than Words
• Essay on City Life Vs Village Life
• Essay on Village Life

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

Happy studying!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

‘All That Glitters Is Not Gold’, Meaning

‘All that glitters is not gold’ is a saying that refers to a line in the Shakespeare play, The Merchant of Venice , read from a note in act 2, scene 7.

The phrase ‘All that glitters is not gold’ expresses in a beautiful metaphor, the idea that the things that seem most valuable on the surface – like gold – are often deceptive: that frequently, the more modest-looking things in life have the kind of substance that makes them more valuable.

‘All that glitters is not gold’ is an expression that can be dated back long ago to the 12th century. In 1175 French monk Alain de Lille wrote “Do not hold everything gold that shines like gold”, however, it was Shakespeare who coined the current version of the phrase and brought it into public consciousness.

Meaning of ‘All that glitters is not gold’

Using a substance like gold as an image of the thing that is most valuable in the material world, recognising its shiny appearance, and pointing out that there are other things that are also shiny, then concluding that because they are shiny doesn’t mean they are valuable, makes a universal statement about our values. We could so easily be taken in by shiny objects , both in the material sense and in more abstract areas like relationships. Often, the most modest appearances hide an inner ‘gold.’

‘All that glitters is not gold’ in context

The original line in the play is ‘all that glistens is not gold’, and some people use the word ‘glisters’. The modern idiom uses the word ‘glitters,’ which is a variance  of the early modern English word ‘glistens.’ (See our piece on misquoting Shakespeare .) The full quote reads:

O hell! what have we here? A carrion Death, within whose empty eye There is a written scroll! I’ll read the writing. All that glistens is not gold; Often have you heard that told: Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold: Gilded tombs do worms enfold. Had you been as wise as bold, Young in limbs, in judgment old, Your answer had not been inscroll’d: Fare you well; your suit is cold.

This full ‘All that glitters is not gold’ quote requires some context and an explanation.

The beautiful, educated and highly accomplished young Portia has been left with a fortune on the death of her wealthy father. Concerned, before his death, that his daughter would be vulnerable to fortune hunters he stipulated in his will that all suitors would be subjected to a test. They would have to correctly pick one of three caskets that contains Portia’s picture, to claim her hand in marriage. One of the caskets is made of gold, one silver, and the last one is made of base lead.

Suitors line up to undergo the test. The first suitor (the Prince of Morocco) chooses the gold casket and opens it to find a skull with a rejection letter including this ‘all the glistens’ quote. His preference for gold has proved to be deceptive, and Portia’s comment as he leaves is ‘a gentle riddance’.

The second suitor chooses the silver casket and finds a puppet of a jester.

A poor young Venetian, who is poor and has to borrow money comes to Belmont to woo Portia. He chooses the lead casket and reveals her picture within. She returns to Venice with him to marry.

In ‘all that glitters is not gold,’ Shakespeare finds a perfect, beautiful image to express a profound truth, and as such has become one of his most recognised quotes . In this case, that love is not a matter of a superficial shiny object but is full of some more dreary things like responsibility and obligation.

The Prince of Morocco reads the ‘all that glitters is not gold’ note from the gold casket.

• WhatsApp 24
• Pinterest 0

All that glitters is not gol nice

“All that glitters is not gold” implies that gold does not glitter, and is surely not what Shakespeare meant to say. The logically correct saying would be, “Not all that glitters is gold.” A related statement by a professor on day one is, “Be aware that all of you will not pass this course.” Most likely the professor meant to say, “Not all of you will pass this course,” meaning that at least one student will fail. Be careful where you put the “not.”

It’s a given that gold glitters. Shakespeare is just pointing out that everything else that glitters doesn’t mean that that thing is gold.

The phrase in my Riverside Shakespeare is “All that glisters, ” not “all that glistens”.

Leave a Reply

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Essay on All that Glitters is not Gold

In today’s time, mostly some kind of particular things appears so shiny and glorious whereas from inside they are just a huge hollow piece. Same as we can take this example in the matter of people too. We cannot imagine the inner truth behind the glossy outlook of anything or person from very far. Thus it is an old saying that all that glitters is not gold. It is not any individual’s fault to show him under the various shiny things, as it is needed for many people to survive in this world by representing themselves as glossy and glittered all the time in front of others.

Sample Essay on All that Glitters is not Gold for Students

Essay 1 (400 words).

Introduction:

Before getting influenced by the outer glory and shiny beauty of any person or place we should first ensure the inner quality or value of that thing or person. An English proverb completely compliments this above situation, “all that glitters is not gold” which means every shiny thing is not expensive or valuable.

Most people do not recognize the hidden reality behind any person or thing; they just get attracted by the outer glory. This world has now become the place of artificial beauty where each and everyone wants to look attractive and glamorous in front of others either they have a pure soul or not. Thus, it is very difficult to recognize people just by seeing the outer beauty.

Poor people get fascinated by rich people because they see just their lifestyle from outside but do not see the loneliness or isolation among their family members. Most of the high class and rich people are so busy in their social life and forget their basic responsibilities towards their children and parents. On the other side, poor people have enough time for their children in a manner to teach them and play with them.

Physical appearance has been the most important thing for many people. A mannered and well-dressed person is always admirable by all whereas dirty and unmannered person whether he has a pure heart can never attract anyone due to his bad outlook.

To sell something, we always try to make it beautifully packed whether its inner quality is as per expectations or not. Same as children are always attracted by the beautifully wrapped gift packs in spite of checking out what is inside. Thus someone has truly quoted that “All that glitters is not gold”.

The entertainment industry, the biggest example of this phrase

Some particular working areas completely depend on the outer beauty of people like the entertainment industry where each and everyone is influenced by the glamorous world and various people is the fan and follower of these actors and actresses. But no one can assume that how much these actors have to struggle for achieving that position.

Conclusion:

To judge someone by his or her outer look is just a foolish thing by anyone which should not be done. God has blessed us with different inner and outer beauty and no one has the right to judge it accordingly. Some people have the quality of learning, some have writing skills, even some are with a pure and soft heart; then in what manner they are judged by anyone, just because they are not well dressed or have smart looks.

Essay 2 (600 words)

Influence by the appearance of a person is good but not at the cost of ignorance of the real or inner beauty of a person. To pretend yourself in front of others completely different from your real personality is just to spoof someone. This misunderstanding or misinterpretation is the source of the famous old saying “All that glitters is not gold”. Beautiful people, luxurious lifestyles, shiny and attractive metals are the main examples of this statement.

In today’s time, the parameters of beauty have been completely changed for all like external body fitness, face with lots of makeup and western shiny clothes are the sign of beautiful and attractive people. Everyone is running to get these things in spite of improving or enhancing inner beauty. The biggest fault from our side is to judge or measure someone by outer beauty in spite of connecting with the inner quality of a person.

This world is full of imaginary things or people who are covered by some artificial accessories. Each and every person is affected by the glamorous world of the entertainment industry where people’s job is to look good and attractive in front of others, whether they are not well or disturbed at the physical or mental levels. Thus we say that “All that glitters is not gold”.

Quality of a thing is not decided on the basis of its outer structure, diamond is always found from the coal mine and the beautiful flower lotus is always grows in the mud. Same as it is not compulsory that a person with dirty clothes or ugly features is not beautiful from the heart too. It is the human nature that we always attract by someone’s outer beauty in spite of even trying to connect with the inner quality.

Various examples we can take to prove this fact that “All that glitters is not gold”:

• In a job interview, all the candidates are well dressed and have an attractive personality but it is not mandatory that they are having enough knowledge as per the requirement.
• The glamorous world of the entertainment industry contains a number of actors and actresses with artificial and external beauty which influence many others towards themselves.
• When we offer some gifts to other we majorly concern about the outer look of that gift thus we wrap that gift in some beautiful wrapping paper along with some glitters on it as we know that anyone would attract by seeing its outer beauty no matter what it contains from inside.
• For a businessman, it’s a trick for them to show and sell their products in such a manner that it attracts many of the people for buying it, thus they efficiently advertise it and offer some interesting gift along with that.

In our country, we can take various examples that many people have lived a highly simple life but have done a great job for the betterment of others. These great people are the true examples of this quote “All that glitters is not gold”. Mahatma Gandhi, the great legend who made our country free from British Rule just by walking on the way of “simple living and high thinking”. Same as Mother Teresa was the great social worker who spent all her life for other’s future sake.

A person should always be judged by his nature and character, his quality or honesty not by only the outer beauty. If we just consider his outer look and persona by avoiding inner excellence then we must be proved stupid and foolish in front of all. Simple living high thinking is always the best policy for living a better life. We all get influenced by the outer beauty of any living or nonliving thing that existed in this world, but it’s our intelligence that how we judge and appreciate someone along with measuring the inner quality too.

Related Information:

10 Lines on All that Glitters is Not Gold

Related Posts

Essay on tiger, essay on books, essay on good manners, essay on time is money, essay on fashion, essay on generation gap, essay on unemployment, essay on necessity is the mother of invention, essay on natural resources, leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

All That Glitters is Not Gold

• Alliteration
• Anachronism
• Antimetabole
• Aposiopesis
• Characterization
• Colloquialism
• Connotation
• Deus Ex Machina
• Didacticism
• Doppelganger
• Double Entendre
• Flash Forward
• Foreshadowing
• Internal Rhyme
• Juxtaposition
• Non Sequitur
• Onomatopoeia
• Parallelism
• Pathetic Fallacy
• Personification
• Poetic Justice
• Point of View
• Portmanteau
• Protagonist
• Red Herring
• Superlative
• Synesthesia
• Tragicomedy
• Tragic Flaw
• Verisimilitude

• Skip to main content

India’s Largest Career Transformation Portal

Essay on All That Glitters Is Not Gold for Students [500+ Words]

December 20, 2020 by Sandeep

All That Glitters Is Not Gold Essay: It is a noteworthy and wise saying that implies that everything that has a fine shine cannot be valuable like gold. Gold is an expensive metal that glitters naturally. Other metals have a good glitter, but it doesn’t imply they are valuable like gold. When people are too nice than expected, there could be a possibility of hidden agendas, and the best of interests cannot be expected from everyone.

Essay on All That Glitters Is Not Gold

Below we have provided All That Glitters Is Not Gold Essay in English, suitable for class 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 school students.

Truth, like gold, is to be obtained not by its growth, but by washing away from it all that is not gold. – Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy

“All that glitters is not gold” is a famous English proverb. It was first coined as “All that glisters is not gold” in William Shakespeare’s play, The Merchant of Venice. Later, it was also used by many poets such as John Dryden in The Hind and The Panther. It is a saying that not everything that looks attractive and shiny on the outside is the same on the inside. Not everything that you find to be beautiful is fantastic. It may be fake, harmful and deceptive.

There is a very popular old fable of the redhead camel which can help us understand this proverb much better. Once, in a beautiful, sandy desert, there was a small village. There was a camel herder with a dozen camels. One of the camels was different from the others. He had a lovely red spot on his forehead and was also his master’s favourite. Whenever the master used to take all camels from the village to the city for transportation of dates, the redhead camel used to be fascinated by it. Broad roads, tall skyscraper buildings, gorgeous lighting, all captivated him a lot.

So one beautiful day, he decided to leave the herd and wandered off into the city. His myths were soon broken. He no longer saw the beauty of the place, but instead saw busy roads, polluted air and skies and noisy surroundings. He stood in a corner, all alone and scared. Then, a man who owned a horse stable noticed him and took him. The redhead camel stayed with those horses and was fed hay and grass. He was more miserable each day and missed his old life. He missed eating fine dates, oats and wheat. He missed the company of his fellow camels.

But most of all, he missed his old master. The new man who had brought him from the road could also notice his unhappy condition. So, he sent out messages through the help of people and posters that he had found a camel with a red spot on his forehead. If anyone had it missing, they could come and take it. As soon as the camel herder heard of this, he rushed to the man to get his beloved camel back. The camel’s happiness knew no bounds upon seeing his master, and they both happily returned to the village. The camel that day thus realized that all that glitters is not gold. Things that look upright from afar may not always be the same once you go close.

All That Glitters Is Not Gold – Real Life Examples

Our day to day life is filled with examples that prove that the phrase all that glitters is not gold holds true. Take, for instance, the entertainment industry. All of us worship the glamorous and extremely fit actors and actresses. We adore them for their outer beauty and think of their lives and work to be so exciting and satisfying. But the harsh reality is something else altogether. They take injections, undergo plastic surgeries and live on unrealistic diets. At times, they also have to do indecent things in order to succeed or land a lead role.

They have to make sure that they always look their best. Privacy is no longer something that they enjoy. It becomes a luxury for them as reporters, journalists and camera operators are always on the lookout to get some piece of news on them. What can we say about advertisements and commercials? They are a different level of scam altogether. They prey on your insecurities and societal desires and then try to make a business out of it. People in India are concerned with their skin tones and want to appear fair.

They still think that the more fairer you are, the more beautiful you automatically become. Hence, fairness creams started being advertised. Did you get fair in 3 weeks? I’m sure we all know the correct answer. Small children are at the most risk of falling for items that look striking to the eye. Whenever they go out to a market, a toy shop or a mall, they want to buy the biggest toy, the yummiest looking ice cream and the brightest paint colours. Little do they realize that these toys are more of a showpiece and have very little use. They only have sparkling packaging but are not at all durable.

All That Glitters is Not Gold Essay

Guided by the appearance can be disastrous. In this world of deception and deceit, what is seen outwardly is not the reality. Often the glittering appearance hides the foulness of wickedness.

When advertisements, display, showiness, have all become the day of life, the judgment of reality has become very difficult. The good looking innocent people are the perfect cheat of the day. The only way to save ourselves from such hypocrites is to be very attentive and careful in life with good observance.

What is exhibited and displayed outwardly should not be taken as creditworthy. Visual appearances are commonly deceptive. The quality of a thing can only be judged by its use.

In many cases, a thing that appears to be very durable and cheap may turn out a duplicate. Duplicates or imitations commonly radiate more shine and glitter than the genuine one.

A person can be judged by his deeds, attitude, and aptitude. A coarse man may be more helpful and cooperative than a person of pleasant countenance.

A well dressed gentlemanly looking person is apt to deceive you by his outwards looks. What he intends to show may not be his actual intentions. His appearance may be delusory and misleading.

Try to ascertain his motives and analyze his actions. Keep a close vigil. What appears to be gold made turn out a yellow metal polish of gold on the iron fake color of gold on brass. So beware of the appearance just the things from its original contents, “all that glitter is not gold”.

Related Posts:

• Michael Poem by William Wordsworth Summary, Notes and Line by Line Explanation in English
• Dream of the Rood Poem Summary, Notes and Line by Line Explanation in English
• English Summary Home
• Random Idiom Generator
• Of Friendship Essay | Summary by Francis Bacon

Essay on All that Glitters is not Gold in English for Children and Students

Table of Contents

All that glitters is not gold is a popular saying which means that just because something sparkles or shines, it does not mean that it is valuable or true. It is very easy to be swayed by the sparkle of something and believe that it is worth more than it actually is. The saying is often used to caution against false appearances. This saying is also used to caution people against accepting anything without finding out the truth.

Fill Out the Form for Expert Academic Guidance!

Please indicate your interest Live Classes Books Test Series Self Learning

Verify OTP Code (required)

I agree to the terms and conditions and privacy policy .

Fill complete details

Target Exam ---

Long and Short Essay on All that Glitters is not Gold in English

Here are essay on all that a glitter is not gold of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam. You can select any All that Glitters is not Gold Essay as per your need:

All that Glitters is not Gold Essay 1 (200 words)

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.

Similarly, we see several attractive things in the market. We feel the urge to purchase them and bring them home as they seem irresistible. However, when we begin to use them, we often realise that it only looks good at the surface level and is not very useful or is low quality. The famous saying, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ implies just the same.

As per this saying, we must not trust anyone easily. We must take our time to learn about a person before we establish a deep bond with them. Likewise, we must not purchase anything big only because it looks good. We must assess it, check its quality and utility and only then we must go for it. This also holds true for job and business opportunities and almost everything in life. Many things appear to be good from a distance but they are not actually good for us.

All that Glitters is Not Gold Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

The phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ is old but it is relevant even in the current times. It suggests that we must be very cautious about everything in life as we may be deceived by pretty faces and attractive packages that may only look good but in reality are fake and deceitful.

The Origin of the Phrase

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.

All that Glitters is Not Gold – A Warning

The phrase ‘all that glitters is not gold’ is a sort of warning. It warns people not to trust anything just by its external appearance. This has been done with the example of gold. It implies that everything that appears appealing to the eye may not be all that great. We must stay cautious at all times. We must scrutinize people, situations, things and opportunities and try to understand them well before we accept them. If we fail to do so, we may be fooled and deceived. The phrase has been passed on from generation to generation and is commonly used to emphasize the mentioned point.

Several phrases are coined by various poets and authors from time to time, however only few remain popular even after centuries of their origin. ‘All that glitters is not gold’ is one such phrase.

All that Glitters is not Gold Essay 3 (400 words)

The saying ‘all that glitters is not gold’ means that everything that has a shiny and attractive exterior may not be good in the inside too. It says that the appearance of something cannot determine its real character. It may be glittery as gold but it may not necessarily be as precious.

All that Glitters is not Gold – A Lesson for Life

My grandfather often uses the phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’. He uses it to warn us against several things. As a little kid, I was often attracted towards eye-catching things. I couldn’t think and analyze whether those things were actually useful for me or not. I also did not have a sense of whether they were right for me or not. Besides, I never really understood whether they were worth the amount being paid.

I wanted to purchase every toy that appealed to my eye without caring about whether it was useful for my age or not. However, I was often disappointed later as most of these toys didn’t turn out the way I expected them too. These were mostly wrapped in beautiful packing but as I opened them, there was hardly much material to play with. Often times, they were not even of my interest.

Seeing me disappointed with my newly bought toy, my grandfather once sat with me and explained a useful concept at length mentioning the phrase ‘all that glitters is not gold’. He told me that market is flooded with numerous things and most of these are covered with fancy exteriors in order to lure the customers and increase sale. We cannot bring home everything that appeals to us as not everything is useful to us and not everything is worth purchasing. We need to check its utility and also assess whether we really need it or not before opting for it instead to just purchasing it for its face value.

He also explained that this holds good even for people and relationships. In life, we may meet many people. It is natural for us to get attracted to those who are beautiful and dress up nicely however we need to understand that these people may not necessarily be good at heart. So, before making friends and other relationships, we must observe the person properly to avoid getting hurt later.

The phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ is a warning and a lesson that everyone should learn. A person who understands it is likely to take wiser decisions in life.

All that Glitters is not Gold Essay 4 (500 words)

‘All that glitters is not gold’ literally means that everything which is sparkling and shiny isn’t gold. This applies to almost everything. We come across numerous attractive things in life however not all of them are as pure as gold. Some of them only appear good but are evil or fake in reality. The phrase is commonly used across the globe since centuries.

Objection on Replacing ‘Glisters’ with ‘Glitters’

The saying ‘all that glitters is not gold’ that has become so popular has been accredited to the 16th century English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. However, what he had originally written was ‘all that glisters is not gold’. ‘Glisters’ was eventually replaced by ‘glitters’. Though the phrase has grown extremely popular and is used worldwide the replacement of ‘glisters’ with ‘glitters’ has offended many literature lovers even though both the terms have the same meaning. They see it as a misquotation and insist that the phrase originally written by Shakespeare is actually the correct version.

‘All that Glitters is not Gold’ Holds True for People

The phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ especially holds true for people in the current times. People these days have grown extremely cautious about their external appearances. They want to wear good clothes, dine in fancy restaurants and make rich friends. The growing craze of posting pictures on the social media platforms is the best example of how people want to look good and seek attention from those around them. The pictures posted on the social media are often deceptive.

These are an echo of the expression ‘all that glitters is not gold’. Many people admit to have dysfunctional families however their social media posts show that the picture is all rosy. Similarly, a simple picture is made to look exceedingly good by using filters and all sorts of applications. This is a perfect example of the phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’. Research shows that most people who appear to be beautiful and joyful on their social media pages are in reality just faking it all.

Besides, most people these days have grown quite greedy and self-centred. They often befriend others to fulfil their selfish motives. Many people bond with rich and influential people just so that they can brag about their friendship. Many people also fake being nice and friendly just to establish business links or grab a job opportunity.

Once their job is done, they change colour like a chameleon. The phrase can aptly be used to warn us against such people. We must be very cautious while allowing people in our lives as often the most charming and friendly people turn out to be the most mean and egocentric people. We must thus assess people properly before establishing deep connection with them else we may end up in trouble.

Many similar phrases have been coined from time to time but none has gained as much popularity as ‘all that glitters is not gold’. It is commonly used to warn people of the misleading exteriors of things.

All that Glitters is not Gold Essay 5 (600 words)

‘All that glitters is not gold’ is an expression that emphasizes the fact that everything that appears to be beautiful and attractive may not be so. Many things that have a fancy exterior and shine like gold may not be as valuable. This holds true for people too. Many people appear to be beautiful and friendly but in reality they may not be so.

Fable Related to the Phrase

There are many moral stories and fables that echo similar thoughts as the saying, ‘all that glitters is not gold’. One such popular fable is that of two friends, Anil and Sunil.

The two friends lived in a village. It was for the first time that they were travelling to the city. They were all quite excited about their trip. They had planned to visit many places within the city and do a lot of shopping. Anil especially wanted to purchase a watch. He had been saving for it since a long time. Sunil was discussing about his plan of purchasing a watch from the city with his friend just when the passenger sitting next to them overheard their conversation.

He took out two sparkling watches from his bag and showed it to the two friends. Anil was enticed by the beauty of those watches. He decided to purchase one of them at once. However, Sunil was a bit sceptic about his decision. He could not trust the man selling the watches as he said that the glistening strap of those watches was made of gold. He charged heavily for the watches.

Sunil warned Anil not to purchase the watch from the man as he suspected he was lying. However, Anil was so attracted to the beauty of the watch that he did not listen to Sunil. He happily handed a large sum of money to the stranger in exchange for a watch.

Few days later, the watch stopped working. Anil took it to the nearby shop to get it repaired. It was then that he learned that his watch was made of an ordinary material that only sparkled like gold but was not precious at all. He realized that all his money had gone down the drain and felt extremely disappointed.

Since then, Anil took all the decisions very cautiously after assessing all the pros and cons. This is how each one of us should act in life as ‘all that glitters is not gold’.

Phrases Similar to ‘All that Glitters is not Gold’

The phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ is an improvised version of the original saying, ‘all that glisters is not gold’ which appeared in Shakespeare’s popular play, The Merchant of Venice in the year 1596. Many similar phrases have been coined by various writers from time to time. For instance, Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem, The House of Fame’ included, ‘Hit is not al gold, that glareth’. The poem was published in the year 1380. Alian de Lille, the 12th century French theologian wrote, ‘Do not hold everything gold that shines like gold’. The Latin version of the phrase is ‘Non omne quod nitet aurum est’

Other similar phrases include, ‘appearances are deceptive’, ‘never judge by appearances’ and ‘never judge a book by its cover’. These are all used commonly and convey the same meaning however none is as popular as Shakespeare’s ‘all that glitters is not gold’.

‘All that glitters is not gold’ is a warning for each one of us especially for those who take hasty decisions just by looking at a thing, situation or person at the surface level. It is a warning for those who just look at the external beauty of things rather than analyzing their actual worth. This is because everything that is appealing to the eye may not be actually good. Just as there are many things that sparkle and shine but not all of them are as precious as gold.

Long Essay on All That Glitters is not Gold – Essay 6 (800 Words)

“All that Glitters is not Gold” is a well known proverb, meaning that everything that shines or has a pleasing appearance, isn’t always good. It stresses on the fact that appearance could be deceiving and we must refrain from trusting completely on someone or something, just because that person or thing looked promising or beautiful from a distance.

The phrase warns us and also suggests to not blindly falling for anything or for any person, based solely on their shiny appearances and must do other verifications before trusting them.

Origin of “All That Glitters is not Gold”

Origin of the phrase “All That Glitters is not Gold” dates back to the 12th century or even before. Some experts are of the opinion that the phrase originated in Greece, during the time of a Greek storyteller, Aesop (620 BCE – 524 BCE).

However, the English version of the phrase, as we know today, became popular only after William Shakespeare (1564-1616) mentioned it in his play named “The Merchant of Venice”.

Meaning of the Phrase

The phrase “All that Glitters is not Gold” means that everything that shines bright or looks beautiful in appearance isn’t necessarily good from inside also. This phrase is uniformly applicable on all three – person, place or a thing.

The phrase warns us to exercise caution before trusting someone or something, based completely on shiny or beautiful appearance. For example, a person looking handsome and charming from outside might have a dark heart or a negative personality.

Similarly, if a place or house looks enticing from outside, it could be dangerous or unhealthy to enter. That doesn’t mean that you start suspecting the places you are familiar with, rather the phrase advices you to take precautions before moving into a new alluring place.

Real Life Examples of “All That Glitters is not Gold”

There could be many real life situations where the phrase appropriately fits in and also there are many real life examples providing credence to the phrase “All That Glitters is not Gold”. Some of the most common real life examples are explained below.

There had been many attractive and good looking serial killers in history; those have lured their victims by their charm and beauty. But, the poor victims were so much impressed by the killers’ outer appearance that they failed to see the devil within them. Some of the most famous, charming yet brutal serial killers are Ted Bundy, Andrew Cananan etc. Hence, the phrase warns us against dropping our guards against someone, purely on our perception based on that person’s looks.

How tempting does the pastry displayed in a bakery’s glass shelve looks to you? Definitely it will be the most desirous consumable item and any vegetable in the world couldn’t replace it. But, is it as healthy as vegetables? No! And it doesn’t take a super brain to come to that conclusion. Junk food looks and smells more tempting than nutritional food, but is not good for our health.

You must have come across many commercials on television; trying to lure you into buying products those look beautiful and useful on TV, but are not so, in reality. The charming sales person could be telling nothing more than lies and the product could be a real waste of money and time.

Have you ever come across a sober looking man or woman, asking for money at bus stands or other public places, making excuses like losing money or straying away from family or friends? Most of the times, such people are alcoholics and drug addicts, trying to lure other travelers in paying them.

Likewise, we can make use of the phrase “All That Glitters is Not Gold” while choosing a new friend, buying new clothes or ornaments, believing in anyone’s promises or seizing a career opportunity.

It would be a mistake to judge a person based only on his good looks and neglecting his inner traits. The same principle also applies to everything that we come across in our everyday life.

The phrase “all that glitter is not gold” cautions us from making wrong decisions based on the appearance of something, and advises us to carefully analyze the situation, thing, or person so as not to be deceived.

Frequently Asked Questions on All that Glitters is not Gold

What is the meaning of golden glitter.

Golden glitter refers to the shiny, reflective particles that mimic the appearance of gold. They're often used in art, makeup, and decorations to give a sparkly, luxurious effect.

What is the story of All that glitters is not gold?

The phrase All that glitters is not gold originates from a proverb warning that not everything that looks valuable or true on the surface might actually be so. Over time, it has been used in various literary works, including Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, where its modern version became popular.

What does the paragraph All that glitters is not gold mean?

The paragraph All that glitters is not gold implies that appearances can be deceptive. Just because something looks precious or genuine doesn't mean it truly is. It's a reminder to look deeper and not be fooled by surface appearances.

Is All that glitters is not gold a simple sentence?

No, All that glitters is not gold is a complex sentence. It has a main clause (All that glitters) and a dependent clause (is not gold).

How to write expansion of an idea to All that glitters is not gold?

An expansion of the idea All that glitters is not gold

Who said not all that is gold glitters?

This variant of the phrase, Not all those who wander are lost; the old that is strong does not wither; deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes, a fire shall be woken; a light from the shadows shall spring; renewed shall be blade that was broken: the crownless again shall be king, is from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Fellowship of the Ring.

What glitters are not gold quotes?

Apart from the original All that glitters is not gold, similar quotes include Appearances can be deceiving and Beauty is only skin deep. These quotes all emphasize the idea that external appearances might not reveal the true nature or value of something.

Related content

Talk to our academic expert!

Language --- English Hindi Marathi Tamil Telugu Malayalam

Get access to free Mock Test and Master Class

Register to Get Free Mock Test and Study Material

Offer Ends in 5:00

All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter

By J. R. R. Tolkien

All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring ; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.

Summary of All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter

• Popularity of “All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter”: This short poem occurs in the novel , The Fellowship of the Ring . It is one of the sequels of, The Lond of the Rings . This first part appeared in 1954. Frodo sings this song when he meets Bilbo. The beauty of this short poetic piece lies in turns and twists in popular proverbs such as “ All that glitters is not gold ” has been put into other words. This is the main reason of the popularity of this poem.
• “All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter” As a Representative of Transformation : The speaker of the poem starts by turning all the old proverbs topsy turvy yet with paradoxically universal themes . The first one is that all that is gold does not glitter is the twister of all that glitters is not gold and the same goes for other proverbs. The speaker is of the view that all those who wander are not lost, but only some of them lose their way. Similarly, he states that the old things that have strength do not wither, and the deep roots or people having deep roots do not worry about hardships. Similarly, he states that there is hope at the end of the tunnel that everything will turn topsy turvy as ordinary people may assume the responsibility of the kings. It means that things are going to change.
• Major Themes in “All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter”: Transformation, the emergence of something significant, and the preciousness of common things are three major themes of this poem. Almost every other line of the poem emphasizes the change. The first one is a popular proverb with a twister in it. However, the next verse shows that something good is going to happen, whether with the emphasis on things that are strong, have roots, or have the power to stay put against the odds. However, commoners may assume significance and become kings or important people in the wake of the invasion of such transformations. The poetic output is significant in the overall idea of the novel, The Lord of the Rings .

Analysis of Literary Devices Used in All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter

• R. R. Tolkien has used various literary devices to make his poem relevant to the main idea of the poem. Some of the major literary devices used by Tolkien are as follows.
• Assonance : Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /a/ in “The crownless again shall be king” and the sound of /o/ in “Not all those who wander are lost.”
• Alliteration : Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line in quick successions, such as the sound of /sh/ in “shadows shall” or /w/ in “who wander” or /b/ in “Be blade.”
• Consonance : Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in the same line, such as the sound of /t/ in “The old that is strong does not wither” and the sound of /s/ in “A light from the shadows shall spring.”
• Irony : Irony is a figure of speech in which words are used in such a way that their intended meaning is different from the actual meaning of the words. The poem shows irony used in the last line that “The crownless again shall be king” which means that the people will wear crowns. That seems ironic, seeing that all people cannot wear crowns.
• Imagery : Imagery is used to make readers perceive things involving their five senses. R. R. Tolkien has used imagery in this poem, such as “A light from the shadows shall spring”, “Renewed shall be blade that was broken” and “Not all those who wander are lost.”
• Metaphor : It is a figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between objects different in nature. The poem shows the use of implied metaphors , such as the old that is strong does not wither, which shows that this withering is associated with the plants and leaves. Therefore, it could be some tree though the poet means old people.
• Symbolism : Symbolism is using symbols to signify ideas and qualities, giving them symbolic meanings different from the literal meanings. The poem shows symbols such as glitter, gold, old strong, and roots to point to the life of people.

Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in All That Is Gold Does Not Glitter

Poetic and literary devices are the same, but a few are used only in poetry. Here is an analysis of some of the poetic devices used in this poem.

• Diction : It means the type of language. The poem shows the use of poetic and formal diction have sound devices at work.
• End Rhyme : End rhyme is used to make the stanza melodious. J. R. R. Tolkien has used end rhyme in this poem, such as glitter/litter and lost/frost.
• Rhyme Scheme : The poem follows the ABABCDCD rhyme scheme in the poem.
• Stanza : A stanza is a poetic form of some lines. It is an eight-lined poem having a single stanza.
• Tone : It means the voice of the text. The poem shows a politically charged tone throughout its verses.

Quotes to be Used

The following lines are useful to quote when talking about the political upheavals.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king.

Related posts:

• Nothing Gold Can Stay
• All That Glitters is Not Gold
• Ode to a Nightingale
• A Red, Red Rose
• I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
• The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock
• “Hope” is the Thing with Feathers
• I Heard a Fly Buzz When I Died
• To His Coy Mistress
• Home Burial
• In the Bleak Midwinter
• Still I Rise
• Jack and Jill
• Little Boy Blue
• On the Pulse of Morning
• The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
• A Bird, Came Down the Walk
• To My Mother
• Blackberry-Picking
• Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church
• We Are Seven
• Ode: Intimations of Immortality from Recollections of Early Childhood
• Sonnet 55: Not Marble nor the Gilded Monuments
• My Father’s Sadness
• You Will Never See Me Fall
• Love Like Salt
• The Rainy Day
• The River God
• Van Gogh’s Bed
• Last Lesson of the Afternoon
• What is Success
• We and They
• Paper Boats
• Quarantine  
• Christmas 1970
• The Harlem Dancer
• Examination at the Womb Door
• Ellis Island
• Mother, Washing Dishes
• Flying at Night
• Some Kiss We Want
• The Ebb and Flow
• The More Loving One
• Unguarded Gate
• The Little Boy with His Hands Up
• The African Beggar
• A Woman’s Hands
• Sonnet 10: For shame deny that thou bear’st love to any
• I’ll You How the Sun Rose
• I Loved You
• It Was Not Death for I Stood Up
• New Day’s Lyric
• All Hallows’ Eve
• Lana Turner Has Collapsed
• Fletcher McGee
• Life Is Fine
• The Soul Selects Her Own Society
• Decomposition
• As Kingfishers Catch Fire
• The Brain Is Wider Than the Sky
• The Rose That Blushes Rosy Red
• Meditation at Lagunitas
• pity this busy monster, manunkind
• Green Eggs and Ham
• Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art
• The Good Life
• The Lake Isle of Innisfree
• Of Mere Being
• A Slumber Did My Spirit Seal
• A Hymn To God The Father
• The Laughing Heart
• Goosey Goosey Gander
• Pippa’s Song
• Christmas Bells
• The Lotos-Eaters

Post navigation

Talk to our experts

1800-120-456-456

• Kids Learning

All That Glitters is Not Gold Essay for Class 7 Students

Essay on all that glitters is not gold.

“All that glitters is not gold”, is a popular adage, which implies that not everything looks valuable or true, turns out to be like that. This applies to people, places, or things that claim to be more worthy than they actually are. William Shakespeare used this expression in his famous play, “The merchant of Venice”. Thus one must not form opinions about things or people based on their superficial appearance only. There is a need to ascertain their real nature and intrinsic value rather than being swayed by the glittering facade.

Appearances are often deceptive. Many things may superficially appear very attractive but when they are examined very closely, they prove to be disappointing. One cannot judge the quality of a thing by seeing its exterior only. Every shining metal is not gold. We often form our opinion about objects on the basis of impersonation. One should always find out the true nature of things. We should try to find out the reality hidden behind their glory.

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 proven 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. 

Similarly, the politicians place on a mask of goodness and kindness to induce votes from the public during the elections. They provide influential speeches on how they might work for the development of the community and win the confidence of the public to urge votes, which they have an inclination to forget after winning the elections. 

This is further accentuated by the spread of consumerism, which has caught the burgeoning middle and socio-economic class of the society in a very vice-like grip. They fall easy prey to the consumer goods advertised in print and the electronic media. Being unable to procure the good brands, they are tricked into buying fake and imitated products of inferior quality, which pose serious peril. Thus cheap cosmetics and health care products attractively packaged are sold in the market, to extend the business of unscrupulous manufacturers. 

The above adage is a vital lesson that one must imbibe early in life. One should be smart enough to be logical and reasonable before jumping to any kind of conclusion. Simple living with high thinking is the mantra for a good living.

10 Lines on All that Glitters is Not Gold Essay in English

The proverb “All that glitters is not gold” means that the appearance of a person or an object can be deceiving in more than one way, hence you should not create opinions on just the outer glitter of it, but first try to find the inner darkness lying behind.

In the present world, the reality of a thing may be quite a lot different, from what appears on the outside.

It is not necessary for everything that glitters to be Gold, but they might just hold the same characteristics as the element gold.

A man in a fancy, well-dressed suit might get the praises but may not be as good as it appears.

The proverb tries its best to teach the people not to judge anything by their outer appearance, as the person that is really good might not have the best appearance.

A poorly dressed person might be a very kind-hearted character.

While shopping, pick only those products, which you really need and add value to your life, not the ones that got an apple sticker on them.

A person is considered smart when he/she leaves behind the glamour and glitter-filled world and chases the inner purity of a person’s heart.

In this world, people often have to disguise themselves under those shiny and glittery appearances to survive.

A smart person should first use logical thinking and rationality to judge someone’s inner self.

FAQs on All That Glitters is Not Gold Essay for Class 7 Students

1. What does the proverb - ‘All that glitters is not gold’ mean?

The proverb, “All that glitters is not gold” means that not everything that looks superficially attractive is valuable. The element of gold emits spectacular glitter, but it is not the only metal that does so. Many other elements/metals show the characteristics of glitter but they are not gold and in most cases are of inferior value. And from here the saying comes, all that glitters is not gold.

2. Which Famous Writer Quoted this Statement “All that Glitters is not Gold”?

William Shakespeare used this quote in one of his works “The Merchant of Venice” as “All that glitters is not gold”. The word “glisters” (a 17th-century synonym for "glitters”) becomes “glitters” over a period of time. The lines come in Act II - Scene VII - Prince of Morocco of the screenplay “The Merchant of Venice”. After William Shakespeare many poets and lyricists started using this proverb, many used this phrase as the opening line of their play or poem.

3. What are the steps to write a good essay?

Following are the steps to write a good essay: 

Read divers books

Write about different topics

While writing an essay make a list of the points first

Build your essay around those points

Make sure your essay has a beginning, middle and end. 

4. Where can I find reliable essays according to my school curriculum?

Vedantu, the leading online education platform in India, offers numerous essays on various topics as per the English syllabus to help students score better in English.

5. How do Advertising Companies try to Take Advantage of the Socio-Economic Class?

They try to trick the consumers with their attractive packages and false information about the product. Using film stars and actors, they make their products look appealing to the masses, but everything on their ads is false. They advertise that the person consuming the product will be able to get slim or children will be able to grow their height, but the nutritional information signs the other way around.

6. How do the Actors in the Entertainment World Sway People?

The actors in the entertainment world sway people by their outer beauty and glamour. They don’t reveal their true self and the struggles that they have gone through in order to reach that position. The Entertainment World is in reality considered darker than most of the other industries. It is Especially worse for the newcomers entering the industry of nepotism and they are also made to do disgusting things in order to succeed.

7. What are the real-life examples of the proverb “All that Glitters is not Gold”?

The proverb “All that Glitters is not Gold” has a great significance in our daily life. If a person starts to Identify the application of this proverb in real life, they will be able to find a number of scenarios that take place in our regular life cycle. Some of the examples for these scenarios are as follows:-

Most people (who are not very rich) often get fascinated by the lifestyle of wealthy people and develop a strong desire to also become rich and wealthy like them by any means. However, what they don’t realize is that the rich people have their own set of problems like many rich people suffer from depression and many rich families have family issues. Other examples for this proverb in real life will be the entertainment industry, the glitter of fame appears appealing to many people and people nowadays are becoming obsessed with this industry. But it has really dark aspects too, most noteworthy is the treatment with the newcomers in the industries. Several struggling actors are made to do disgraceful things in order to succeed and there is the issue of nepotism too. People in fancy clothes might win the admiration of many, but such people can be very unethical and in some cases, harbour evil.

Kids-learning • Class 7

All that Glitters is not Gold Essay

Long and short essay on all that glitters is not gold in english for children and students.

All that Glitters is not Gold is an old phrase that indicates that everything that looks good may not actually be all that good. By way of this phrase people are being cautioned.

Long and Short Essay on All that Glitters is not Gold in English

Here are essay on all that a glitter is not gold of varying lengths to help you with the topic in your exam. You can select any All that Glitters is not Gold Essay as per your need:

All that Glitters is not Gold Essay 1 (200 words)

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.

Similarly, we see several attractive things in the market. We feel the urge to purchase them and bring them home as they seem irresistible. However, when we begin to use them, we often realise that it only looks good at the surface level and is not very useful or is low quality. The famous saying, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ implies just the same.

As per this saying, we must not trust anyone easily. We must take our time to learn about a person before we establish a deep bond with them. Likewise, we must not purchase anything big only because it looks good. We must assess it, check its quality and utility and only then we must go for it. This also holds true for job and business opportunities and almost everything in life. Many things appear to be good from a distance but they are not actually good for us.

All that Glitters is Not Gold Essay 2 (300 words)

Introduction

The phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ is old but it is relevant even in the current times. It suggests that we must be very cautious about everything in life as we may be deceived by pretty faces and attractive packages that may only look good but in reality are fake and deceitful.

The Origin of the Phrase

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.

All that Glitters is Not Gold – A Warning

The phrase ‘all that glitters is not gold’ is a sort of warning. It warns people not to trust anything just by its external appearance. This has been done with the example of gold. It implies that everything that appears appealing to the eye may not be all that great. We must stay cautious at all times. We must scrutinize people, situations, things and opportunities and try to understand them well before we accept them. If we fail to do so, we may be fooled and deceived. The phrase has been passed on from generation to generation and is commonly used to emphasize the mentioned point.

Several phrases are coined by various poets and authors from time to time, however only few remain popular even after centuries of their origin. ‘All that glitters is not gold’ is one such phrase.

All that Glitters is not Gold Essay 3 (400 words)

The saying ‘all that glitters is not gold’ means that everything that has a shiny and attractive exterior may not be good in the inside too. It says that the appearance of something cannot determine its real character. It may be glittery as gold but it may not necessarily be as precious.

All that Glitters is not Gold – A Lesson for Life

My grandfather often uses the phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’. He uses it to warn us against several things. As a little kid, I was often attracted towards eye-catching things. I couldn’t think and analyze whether those things were actually useful for me or not. I also did not have a sense of whether they were right for me or not. Besides, I never really understood whether they were worth the amount being paid.

I wanted to purchase every toy that appealed to my eye without caring about whether it was useful for my age or not. However, I was often disappointed later as most of these toys didn’t turn out the way I expected them too. These were mostly wrapped in beautiful packing but as I opened them, there was hardly much material to play with. Often times, they were not even of my interest.

Seeing me disappointed with my newly bought toy, my grandfather once sat with me and explained a useful concept at length mentioning the phrase ‘all that glitters is not gold’. He told me that market is flooded with numerous things and most of these are covered with fancy exteriors in order to lure the customers and increase sale. We cannot bring home everything that appeals to us as not everything is useful to us and not everything is worth purchasing. We need to check its utility and also assess whether we really need it or not before opting for it instead to just purchasing it for its face value.

He also explained that this holds good even for people and relationships. In life, we may meet many people. It is natural for us to get attracted to those who are beautiful and dress up nicely however we need to understand that these people may not necessarily be good at heart. So, before making friends and other relationships, we must observe the person properly to avoid getting hurt later.

The phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ is a warning and a lesson that everyone should learn. A person who understands it is likely to take wiser decisions in life.

All that Glitters is not Gold Essay 4 (500 words)

‘All that glitters is not gold’ literally means that everything which is sparkling and shiny isn’t gold. This applies to almost everything. We come across numerous attractive things in life however not all of them are as pure as gold. Some of them only appear good but are evil or fake in reality. The phrase is commonly used across the globe since centuries.

Objection on Replacing ‘Glisters’ with ‘Glitters’

The saying ‘all that glitters is not gold’ that has become so popular has been accredited to the 16 th  century English poet and playwright, William Shakespeare. However, what he had originally written was ‘all that glisters is not gold’. ‘Glisters’ was eventually replaced by ‘glitters’. Though the phrase has grown extremely popular and is used worldwide the replacement of ‘glisters’ with ‘glitters’ has offended many literature lovers even though both the terms have the same meaning. They see it as a misquotation and insist that the phrase originally written by Shakespeare is actually the correct version.

‘All that Glitters is not Gold’ Holds True for People

The phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ especially holds true for people in the current times. People these days have grown extremely cautious about their external appearances. They want to wear good clothes, dine in fancy restaurants and make rich friends. The growing craze of posting pictures on the social media platforms is the best example of how people want to look good and seek attention from those around them. The pictures posted on the social media are often deceptive.

These are an echo of the expression ‘all that glitters is not gold’. Many people admit to have dysfunctional families however their social media posts show that the picture is all rosy. Similarly, a simple picture is made to look exceedingly good by using filters and all sorts of applications. This is a perfect example of the phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’. Research shows that most people who appear to be beautiful and joyful on their social media pages are in reality just faking it all.

Besides, most people these days have grown quite greedy and self-centred. They often befriend others to fulfil their selfish motives. Many people bond with rich and influential people just so that they can brag about their friendship. Many people also fake being nice and friendly just to establish business links or grab a job opportunity.

Once their job is done, they change colour like a chameleon. The phrase can aptly be used to warn us against such people. We must be very cautious while allowing people in our lives as often the most charming and friendly people turn out to be the most mean and egocentric people. We must thus assess people properly before establishing deep connection with them else we may end up in trouble.

Many similar phrases have been coined from time to time but none has gained as much popularity as ‘all that glitters is not gold’. It is commonly used to warn people of the misleading exteriors of things.

All that Glitters is not Gold Essay 5 (600 words)

‘All that glitters is not gold’ is an expression that emphasizes the fact that everything that appears to be beautiful and attractive may not be so. Many things that have a fancy exterior and shine like gold may not be as valuable. This holds true for people too. Many people appear to be beautiful and friendly but in reality they may not be so.

Fable Related to the Phrase

There are many moral stories and fables that echo similar thoughts as the saying, ‘all that glitters is not gold’. One such popular fable is that of two friends, Anil and Sunil.

The two friends lived in a village. It was for the first time that they were travelling to the city. They were all quite excited about their trip. They had planned to visit many places within the city and do a lot of shopping. Anil especially wanted to purchase a watch. He had been saving for it since a long time. He was discussing about his plan of purchasing a watch from the city with his friend just when the passenger sitting next to them overheard their conversation.

He took out two sparkling watches from his bag and showed it to the two friends. Anil was enticed by the beauty of those watches. He decided to purchase one of them at once. However, Sunil was a bit sceptic about his decision. He could not trust the man selling the watches as he said that the glistening strap of those watches was made of gold. He charged heavily for the watches.

Sunil warned Anil not to purchase the watch from the man as he suspected he was lying. However, Anil was so attracted to the beauty of the watch that he did not listen to Sunil. He happily handed a large sum of money to the stranger in exchange for a watch.

Few days later, the watch stopped working. Anil took it to the nearby shop to get it repaired. It was then that he learned that his watch was made of an ordinary material that only sparkled like gold but was not precious at all. He realized that all his money had gone down the drain and felt extremely disappointed. He regretted taking hasty decision even after being warned by Sunil.

Since then, Anil took all the decisions very cautiously after assessing all the pros and cons. This is how each one of us should act in life as ‘all that glitters is not gold’.

Phrases Similar to ‘All that Glitters is not Gold’

The phrase, ‘all that glitters is not gold’ is an improvised version of the original saying,  ‘ all that glisters is not gold’ which appeared in Shakespeare’s popular play, The Merchant of Venice in the year 1596. Many similar phrases have been coined by various writers from time to time. For instance, Geoffrey Chaucer’s poem, The House of Fame’ included, ‘Hit is not al gold, that glareth’. The poem was published in the year 1380. Alian de Lille, the 12 th  century French theologian wrote, ‘Do not hold everything gold that shines like gold’. The Latin version of the phrase is ‘Non omne quod nitet aurum est’

Other similar phrases include, ‘appearances are deceptive’, ‘never judge by appearances’ and ‘never judge a book by its cover’. These are all used commonly and convey the same meaning however none is as popular as Shakespeare’s ‘all that glitters is not gold’.

‘All that glitters is not gold’ is a warning for each one of us especially for those who take hasty decisions just by looking at a thing, situation or person at the surface level. It is a warning for those who just look at the external beauty of things rather than analyzing their actual worth. This is because everything that is appealing to the eye may not be actually good. Just as there are many things that sparkle and shine but not all of them are as precious as gold.

Charity Begins at Home Essay

25 Interesting Facts about India

Abraham Lincoln: From Humble Beginnings to Legendary Leadership

Essay on Mahavir Jayanti for all Class in 100 to 500 Words in English

Essay on Indian Heritage for Students and Children

Essay on Gender Equality

Eassy on Good Habits

Essay – My Dream

Pencil: An Essay on Pencil

Short Essay on Pencil

Essay on Effects of Global Warming for Kids, Children and Students

Describe the importance of water in our lives in an essay

Comments are closed.

Welcome, Login to your account.

Recover your password.

A password will be e-mailed to you.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

All That Glitters by Orlando Whitfield review – from Banksy to banged up

The exhilarating story of an art fraudster’s downfall, by his former friend and partner

I n 2020 Inigo Philbrick was arrested by the FBI on the Pacific island of Vanuatu and brought to Manhattan in handcuffs. He was wanted for his part in one of the biggest art frauds in history. Still only in his early 30s, he was accused of duping art investors into parting with around $86m. Lawsuits were piling up, accusing him of forging legal documents, double-dealing priceless artworks and refusing to pay enormous debts to people he still called friends, (although the feeling almost certainly wasn’t mutual). Found guilty and banged up in the jail where Epstein killed himself, he was eventually shipped out to a low security prison to serve seven years. In the end he got out after three, which only goes to show that Philbrick has the luck of the devil.

In this exhilarating book, Orlando Whitfield tells the story of his former friend’s downfall in thrilling detail. Inigo and Orlando start out as two baroquely named undergraduates at Goldsmiths, University of London, both from arty families (Whitfield’s dad used to run Christie’s, Philbrick’s was head of a distinguished museum in Connecticut). They become pals and finally partners as I & O Fine Art. They shift a Rego, attempt to acquire a Bansky from a Shoreditch door and generally try to become masters of the artiverse.

Whitfield positions himself as Boswell to Philbrick’s Johnson, Ryder to his Flyte, Carraway to his Gatsby. The way he tells it, he is the less sophisticated one whose job is to take notes while Philbrick pulls off a series of extraordinary stunts. At the start, these are nothing more than a series of blags by a young man in a hurry. Philbrick gets a perch at the White Cube gallery and convinces Jay Jopling to let him run a spin-off venture, Modern Collections, which deals with the secondary art market as opposed to buying directly from artists (there is no suggestion that Jopling is in any way involved in Philbrick’s fraud – in fact, Whitfield writes that he is still owed money). He pals up to Norman Rosenthal, late of the Royal Academy, and even manages to convince Gilbert & George to let him show some of their earlier work that had never previously left their East End studio.

But then, little by little, downright dishonesty creeps in. Whitfield, who by this time has morphed from being Philbrick’s business partner to his employee at Modern Collections, is able to watch as his boss pulls off deals that seem to be too good to be true. That’s because they are. Philbrick starts by flipping paintings – the perfectly legal practice of buying a work and then immediately flogging it at a profit. Soon, though, he moves on to acquiring a damaged picture from an insurance company and silently “restoring” it using what sounds like a spray gun and some dentistry tools. This boosts its value by around $2.5m dollars.

Chafing at being Philbrick’s underling, Whitfield splits in order to set up on his own. Not averse to a bit of brinkmanship, he nonetheless finds that he just doesn’t have the necessary nerves of steel to cut it in what sounds like a deeply unpleasant milieu. In a puddle of Xanax, champagne and terror, he is ordered by his mother to rehab to sort out his life and learn to love art again. During this time, he writes, Philbrick never bothers to return any of his calls or emails.

In retrospect this was perhaps the biggest mistake that the wunderkind ever made. Later, from prison, Philbrick sent Whitfield a whole dump of documents out of which he expected his erstwhile partner and friend to conjure an article putting his side of the story. Whitfield had fallen prey to the temptation, at times, to see Philbrick as a kind of Robin Hood, or at least the perpetrator of victimless crime. But faced with the sheer weight of evidence, he realised how untenable that was. Instead, he used the material to write this book, which, a certain amount of pious throat-clearing notwithstanding, amounts to a case for the prosecution.

It’s packed with damning evidence. Of how, for instance, over a period of three years, Philbrick sold multiple shares in a Rudolf Stingel painting to the point where they added up to 220%. On other occasions he forged invoices to show sceptical backers that their money was really on its way. He even had to invent a particularly dilatory dealer called Martin Herrero to explain his sluggish cash flow.

How could any of this be possible without someone – a grownup? – stepping in. The answer is that the art market is entirely unregulated, and you can get away with things that would be impossible elsewhere – act on inside information, artificially inflate prices, choose whom to sell to. More than this, though, it is a matter of sheer greed: “trading artworks is always trading futures in the hopes that fashion will dictate their continuing rise in value; necessity, that keystone of economic forces, does not apply”.

after newsletter promotion

There are two further questions that dance through this compulsively readable book. The first is why Philbrick embarked on such elaborate scams in the first place. In fact, he answered this himself at his trial.

“For money, Your Honour,” “That simple?” “That simple.”

The second is why Whitfield decided to write such an excoriating book about a man whom he clearly once admired, adored even. He ends by admitting that Philbrick will be furious with him. And despite a fair amount of hand-wringing, you can’t help feeling that there is a dash of revenge in there somewhere – perhaps a delayed reaction at having been exposed to such seductive danger.

• Biography books
• Art and design books

Most viewed