Discretion is the better part of valour
Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons
Is it, or is it just cowardice? Shakespeare wrote the original as, ‘the better part of valour is discretion.’
He gave the words to Sir John Falstaff, a character not known for his bravery, and apparently based on a soldier named Sir John Fastolf. Fastolf was incorrectly accused of cowardice but in fact served with honour in the Siege of Harfleur in 1415, where he fought under the command of Henry V.
During the Siege of Orléans of 1428-1429, the delayed arrival of Fastolf’s English troops enabled the French to gather inspiration and strength from Joan of Arc, the Maid of Orléans. The English abandoned the siege after nine days. It was this withdrawal from battle that led to Falstof being regarded as cowardly.
John Fastolf was born in 1380 in Caister, Norfolk and died in 1459 at what was then the grand old age of 78, when the average lifespan was about 54 years.
I think the phrase is now used more to mean that it is wiser to avoid confrontation than address it.
I really enjoy the posts about the meaning behind certain says. I find them really interesting.
ReplyDeleteI realised the other day that many of the things I say may be out of date and completely incomprehensible to some people. Never mind!
DeleteIt probably is the meaning now but it has a larger meaning to me. Fastolf looks like he has indulged well in life.
ReplyDeleteDiscretion is important. So many people are not at all discreet!
DeleteIt IS wiser to avoid confrontation than address it. You never know if what is going to happen if the weather thunders suddenly, the spouse's mood becomes rugged, or a bad driver who hit your car has been drinking too much booze when he approaches you.
ReplyDeleteI'm a champion avoider of confrontation!
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ReplyDeleteI am an avoider too - sometimes I wish I wasn't 😁
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
The meek shall inherit the earth . . . yes, of course;-)
Deletethat was a very interesting post. The portrait of Falstaff reminds me of Burl Ives 😺
ReplyDeleteHe does rather have the look of Burl Ives, you're right.
DeleteTo me, it never meant avoiding the issues. I saw it more as not rushing in, taking time to assess the situation, weigh the risk against the gain, minimizing risk where possible. You certainly give food for thought here.
ReplyDeleteDiscretion here meaning wisdom and analysis . . .
DeleteAs I didn't know the saying, this was once again a very educational post for me. I am, by the way, a great avoider of confrontation unless I am really, really mad! xxx
ReplyDeleteLikewise!
DeleteThat phrase is what I do these days. Avoiding confrontation would be what the majority of people do
ReplyDeleteSensible people, anyway ;-)
DeleteAs well as avoiding confrontation I also take it to mean "keep your mouth shut" particularly when people are spouting things I don't agree with and don't want to argue about.
ReplyDeleteAgreed!
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