All That Glitters is not Gold

Expansion of Ideas

Everything in life that appears to be attractive does not necessarily have great value. So judging by appearances can be misleading. This same fact can be said in another way: A book cannot be judged by its cover, A book with a very attractive cover may not have readable material inside. On the other hand, a book with a very dull cover may be very interesting. This is true of almost everything in life. A show that is well advertised may be dull and boring. And a movie that has received very little publicity may be quite entertaining.

So we must not jump to conclusions about the merits or demerits of anything purely on the basis of the way it is packaged. This is the age of advertisement. Makers of products try to show their products in the best light so that people will buy them. But this does not necessarily mean that the product is well worth the money. Even when we judge people we should not do so by their looks. We must not get swayed by their flashy styles or dashing ways. Gandhi wore just a dhoti, but he is still held in great reverence throughout the world. Abraham Lincoln was not endowed with good looks. But he is considered by far the greatest American President. Mother Teresa had a very simple appearance. But people all over the world remember and revere her. So it is only fair to say that all that glitters is not gold.

Difficult Words & Meanings

• Attractive: Pleasing or appealing to the senses; good-looking.
• Misleading: Giving the wrong idea or impression; deceptive.
• Readable: Easy or enjoyable to read.
• Dull: Lacking interest or excitement; boring.
• Publicity: Attention given to someone or something by the media; advertising.
• Entertaining: Providing amusement or enjoyment.
• Conclusions: Judgments or decisions reached after consideration.
• Merits: The good qualities or features of something or someone.
• Demerits: The faults or disadvantages of something or someone.
• Packaged: The way something is presented or wrapped, especially for sale.
• Advertisement: A notice or announcement in a public medium promoting a product, service, or event.
• Swayed: Influenced or persuaded to change one's opinion or course of action.
• Flashy: Ostentatiously attractive or impressive; showy but lacking in real value.
• Dashing: Attractive, adventurous, and confident (especially of a man).
• Reverence: Deep respect for someone or something.
• Endowed: Naturally provided with a quality, ability, or asset.
• Revere: To feel deep respect or admiration for (something or someone).
• Glitters: Shines with a bright, shimmering, reflected light.