THETime is a gentleman. Or so we like to think. We could also say that time is by its nature super partes and correct, whether we believe it or not is what the popular saying implies. Every era has produced through its thinkers expressions and ways of saying linked to the passing of time, that of associate time with an indulgent and correct gentleman it is certainly the longest-lived. But what exactly does this expression mean? And where does it come from?
Time is a gentleman: what does it mean?
This expression underlines how time has the power to to reveal the truth, to make things right and to do justice. Whether it is a difficult situation, a lost love or a wrong suffered, as time passes everything will find its right dimension and solution. The basic idea is that time is a impartial judgewhich brings to light facts and circumstances that perhaps had been hidden or misinterpreted.
Who said it?
It is not entirely clear who first uttered this expression. What we know is that it is an Italian proverb, and like many proverbs, comes from popular knowledge and is handed down from generation to generation. Over time, various authors, poets and philosophers have made the concept their own, integrating it into their speeches or works. It is attributed to French philosopher Voltaire the phrase: “Time is a gentleman, it puts all things right”.
The phrase in Latin
In the ancient world, particularly among the Romans, reflection on time and its nature was already highly developed. In Latin, although there is no literal translation of the proverb we can find related concepts, such as “Tempus edax rerum“, which means “time, devourer of all things”. This expression underlines the corrosive power of time but, at the same time, its revelatory power.
Time gives everything back to Everyone
This variant of the original saying, attributed to Serena Crespi, further underlines the idea that time, with its inexorable progression, ultimately he will give everyone back what is due to them. Whether it is a reward or a punishment, nothing remains hidden or unpunished in the long term.
Time and Love
When we talk about love, the concept takes on a particular resonance. How many times, faced with a disappointment in love, have we consoled ourselves by thinking that time would heal every wound? Or, alternatively, hoping that time would reveal the truth about a situation or person? Love, with its facets and complexities, is perhaps the area in which time shows its revelatory and healing power more than any other.
Phrases and aphorisms about honest time
There are many thoughts and reflections related to this adage. Here are sentences that represent its essence:
Time is a gentleman. (Proverb)
Time is a gentleman, it puts all things right. (Voltaire)
Time is a gentleman, it gives everything back to everyone. (Serena Crespi)
Time is a gentleman, time heals, time clarifies. But time passes, above all. (Fabrizio Caramagna)
Time may be a gentleman, but age is certainly not a gentlewoman. (Roberto Gervaso)
Time is a good friend, time is a good witness, time is money, time is a gentleman, time is a great doctor, time is a deaf file, time consumes everything, time flies, but no one has truly understood what is time for? (Fabrizio Caramagna)
Time is a gentleman, and this too is a comfort, since there aren’t too many honest men in the world. (Giuseppe Fumagalli)
Time is a gentleman. Men not always. (Geneva Cardinaletti)
Time is a gentleman but sometimes you make appointments wait too long. (Andrea Vianello)
Time is a gentleman. He restores the truth, rightes wrongs, heals everything. (Anonymous)
Time can be trusted. Let it pass and you will see that it will lead you to the truth. (Anonymous)
Time is a gentleman. Hodie mihi cras tibi (today to me, tomorrow to you) (Anonymous)
iO Donna © ALL RIGHTS RESERVED