“TIME SPENT WISHING IS TIME WASTED”: TEMPORAL WORLDVIEW IN MODERN AMERICAN PROVERBS

“TIME SPENT WISHING IS TIME WASTED”: TEMPORAL WORLDVIEW IN MODERN AMERICAN PROVERBS

Author:  Wolfgang Mieder

Abstract: 
There is no doubt that the multifaceted aspects of time play a major role in the rather pragmatic American worldview. By analyzing authentic American proverbs of the modern age, it is shown that Americans in general appear to be against wasting time, that they want to enjoy the relatively short time-span of a normal human life, and that they embrace solid work ethics in order to be successful over time. There is a definite preoccupation with time well spent, be it for pleasure or for steady progress. Proverbs encapsulate this mentality and are employed as cultural and social wisdom or signs in oral and written communication. All of this has nothing to do with national character but rather with general attitudes towards time shared by many Americans.

Keywords:  American  ◆  culture  ◆  folk idea  ◆  mentality  ◆  modernity  ◆  proverb  ◆  worldview