CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT
CURIOSITY KILLED THE CAT
While growing up, I always hear this idiom/saying - Curiosity killed the cat. And the, I began to wonder where it came from. My dear readership, after extensive research, I have found the origin of it.
One of the proposed source is from a 16th-century writer.
Let me tell you about John Heywood, the 16th-century writer who is often attributed to the phrase "Curiosity killed the cat".
John Heywood (1497-1580) was an English writer, poet, and playwright who lived during the Tudor period. He was known for his witty sayings, proverbs, and epigrams, which were often humorous and satirical.
According to historical accounts, Heywood wrote a book titled "Proverbs and Epigrams" in 1546, which contained a collection of his witty sayings. One of the proverbs in the book went like this:
"Curiosity is a sign of a lustful and prying mind, and it hath been the death of many a one; for curiosity killed the cat."
Heywood's proverb was likely meant to caution people against being too curious or nosy, as it might lead to trouble or danger. However, it's worth noting that Heywood's original phrase was slightly different from the modern version we use today.
Over time, the phrase evolved into "Curiosity killed the cat," and later, the addition of "but satisfaction brought it back" was added to soften the warning and highlight the value of curiosity.
John Heywood's writing had a significant impact on English literature, and his proverbs and sayings are still quoted today. He's considered one of the most important figures in the development of English drama and is often referred to as the "father of the English epigram".
The other theory suggests that the above saying is from a fable.
A curious cat, known for its inquisitive nature, was exploring a farmer's yard. While prowling around, the cat spotted a beehive hanging from a tree. Wondering what was inside, the cat climbed the tree and poked its paw into the hive.
The bees, feeling threatened, swarmed out and stung the cat severely. The cat, realizing its mistake, tried to escape but was too injured. As it lay dying, the cat thought to itself, "If only I hadn't been so curious!"
Moral of the story: Curiosity can lead to trouble, and sometimes it's better to leave things alone.
However, there's a second part to the phrase: "Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back." This addition suggests that even though curiosity might lead to trouble, the satisfaction of discovering something new can make it worthwhile!
Dear Readership, thank you for reading through and I am sorry for starving you for a very long time. I have been sick and writing exams but I'm back now with mind-blowing contents.
Till we get to the promised land, I shall be waiting for when you'll get me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race. - TheMBN
While growing up, I always hear this idiom/saying - Curiosity killed the cat. And the, I began to wonder where it came from. My dear readership, after extensive research, I have found the origin of it.
One of the proposed source is from a 16th-century writer.
Let me tell you about John Heywood, the 16th-century writer who is often attributed to the phrase "Curiosity killed the cat".
John Heywood (1497-1580) was an English writer, poet, and playwright who lived during the Tudor period. He was known for his witty sayings, proverbs, and epigrams, which were often humorous and satirical.
According to historical accounts, Heywood wrote a book titled "Proverbs and Epigrams" in 1546, which contained a collection of his witty sayings. One of the proverbs in the book went like this:
"Curiosity is a sign of a lustful and prying mind, and it hath been the death of many a one; for curiosity killed the cat."
Heywood's proverb was likely meant to caution people against being too curious or nosy, as it might lead to trouble or danger. However, it's worth noting that Heywood's original phrase was slightly different from the modern version we use today.
Over time, the phrase evolved into "Curiosity killed the cat," and later, the addition of "but satisfaction brought it back" was added to soften the warning and highlight the value of curiosity.
John Heywood's writing had a significant impact on English literature, and his proverbs and sayings are still quoted today. He's considered one of the most important figures in the development of English drama and is often referred to as the "father of the English epigram".
The other theory suggests that the above saying is from a fable.
A curious cat, known for its inquisitive nature, was exploring a farmer's yard. While prowling around, the cat spotted a beehive hanging from a tree. Wondering what was inside, the cat climbed the tree and poked its paw into the hive.
The bees, feeling threatened, swarmed out and stung the cat severely. The cat, realizing its mistake, tried to escape but was too injured. As it lay dying, the cat thought to itself, "If only I hadn't been so curious!"
Moral of the story: Curiosity can lead to trouble, and sometimes it's better to leave things alone.
However, there's a second part to the phrase: "Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back." This addition suggests that even though curiosity might lead to trouble, the satisfaction of discovering something new can make it worthwhile!
Dear Readership, thank you for reading through and I am sorry for starving you for a very long time. I have been sick and writing exams but I'm back now with mind-blowing contents.
Till we get to the promised land, I shall be waiting for when you'll get me a glass of water and thank God for the gift of grace for the race. - TheMBN
