The expression signifies that appearances could be misleading and that one thing which appears helpful on the floor may, in actuality, be nugatory or much less helpful than it seems. An occasion of this can be a purportedly groundbreaking research that garners widespread media consideration, solely to be revealed later as flawed or primarily based on questionable knowledge. This case exemplifies the precept embodied by the adage.
The enduring relevance of this idea lies in its capacity to foster important pondering and warning towards superficial judgments. Its historic context stretches again centuries, showing in varied varieties throughout completely different cultures and literary works. The phrase serves as a timeless reminder that thorough examination and discernment are important earlier than accepting one thing at face worth, particularly in domains the place deception or exaggeration is prevalent, corresponding to advertising and marketing, politics, or private relationships. A reliance on this cautionary precept promotes a extra knowledgeable and practical worldview.
