Pearls, Oysters and… Swords

I recently learned that a common idiom used by so many – myself included – was actually an abbreviated adaptation of said expression. However, the moral conveyed by the shortened version is a distortion of the initial idea.  It actually eradicates the essence of the fundamental message.

How many times have you heard or used the expression “the world is your oyster”?

If you’re like me, I am sure you have heard it often and even used it yourself. Like me, you have probably overheard it used as a way of encouraging someone (especially someone younger, who is flirting with adulthood), to go out there and seize the infinite possibilities that are readily available to them? In fact, the phrase is quite often used to encourage, support and reassure someone that they are capable of doing anything – that opportunity abounds.

Well, quite recently I learned from a show (yes, contrary to what your mom told you, television can be educational), that this was not the authentic expression. Well, in fact, it was only part of the saying and so therefore, the true message was a little distorted.

The way we are commonly using the expression, wasn’t exactly the idea Shakespeare had in mind…

Yes, the expression comes from Shakespeare’s work The Merry wives of Windsor. However, the common use of the phrase is a far cry from the original sentiment.

Shakespeare originally wrote: “Why then the world’s mine oyster, which I with sword will open.”

I

With

Sword

Will

Open

In other words, there are not vast quantities of lovely pearls just lying about and readily available for each passer-by to gather at will.

While the oysters are there – they are not already shucked and placed on a silver platter.

You want the pearl? Well, you better be ready to put in the blood, sweat and tears. You better have the drive, the will and the brute force. You better make sure you are armed with the right tools, skills and know-how.

I actually like the authentic version of the lesson that comes from this expression. Shakespeare was on to something…

The metaphorical pearl can’t be readily accessible. If it is, where’s the value? Where can we derive meaning and purpose?

You want something? You better be ready to roll up your sleeves and get dirty.

But the reward…undeniably priceless.

So, grab that sword and shuck away my friends, as always, with Grit&Grace!