The expression "Truth in wine" and its Latin version In vino veritas have long been used in speech, have become "winged". The figurativeness of the phrase causes a different understanding of the meaning: for some, the essence of the proverb lies in the presentation of alcohol as a method for finding out the truth, for some, unfortunately, it is an excuse for addiction. The history of the appearance and the attitude to the expression of representatives of different generations help to understand its meaning.
Instructions
Step 1
“Wine is a sweet child, it’s true,” - said the Greek poet Alcaeus six centuries before our era. He turned to wine under any life circumstances, this drink drove away melancholy and amused the heart. Even in old age, Alkei could not refuse such a pleasure. In his ingenious art, the poet often pointed to a drink that relieves the unbearable summer heat, warms up in the winter cold. The ancient Greek poet respected wine for seeing the "truth" in it, considered it a "mirror of the soul." Alcaeus's statement laid the foundation for another aphorism.
Step 2
A similar idea is transmitted by the Roman scientist and philosopher of the 1st century AD Pliny the Elder. In the work "Natural History" there is a short phrase, which is often quoted in the Russian text in the Latin version: "In vino veritas" and is translated as "Truth in wine." It was these words that began to be used as a "catch phrase", although the Roman philosopher has a continuation of what was said: In vino veritas multum mergitur. (“Truth has drowned in wine more than once”).
Step 3
The popular proverb "What's on the mind of a sober, then a drunk on the tongue" in its own way is quite close to understanding the meaning of the expression. Indeed, a person in a sober state will better keep silent, and under the influence of wine he is even able to talk about what needs to be kept secret. There are even known cases in history when alcohol served as a means of inquiry. For example, I. Stalin himself always drank in moderation, but tried to make others drunk, hoping in this way to check those around him, who, under the influence of the drunk, began to speak more freely.
Step 4
The wine did not leave indifferent many famous people: some scolded it, others praised it, others joked about this drink. Persian philosopher and poet, mathematician and astronomer Omar Khayyam sang the gifts of the vine in expressive vivid images. Khayyam is the most educated person in all times, although many consider the poet to be a lover of noisy feasts and booze, a careless rake. In the poetic lines of Omar Khayyam, singing the nectar intoxicating people, one can find encrypted wise secret meanings. The medieval medical scientist Avicenna, who left his invaluable works to mankind, did not exclude the possibility of wine being useful. The attitude of the great A. Pushkin to the intoxicating drink is evidenced by the lines of his works, which speak of wine as a source of quenching sorrows and sorrows, bringing joy. Pushkin compares the fullness of a person's life to a glass filled with wine. There are also quite a few opposing views. The famous Russian writer I. A. Bunin, who compared wine intoxicating a person with sweet poison, reflected in this image the symbol of death.
Step 5
Among humanity, there are four types of virtue, defined by the famous playwright of ancient Greece Aeschylus and confirmed by the philosophers Plato and Socrates. Courage, prudence and justice must be accompanied by moderation. Great people, having the right to shape consciousness in society, talked about the need to adhere to moderation in the manifestation of passion for wine.
Step 6
Truth lies in the correct representation of reality by people, is achieved as a result of striving for scientific research. The amount of wine should not lead a person away from the real truth.
Step 7
The ironic interpretation of the expression "Truth in wine" is determined by the meaning of "respect for drunkenness." It is no secret that the original meaning of some "winged" expressions is often distorted and used in a completely different sense. It is no coincidence that the long-existing phrase "Truth in wine" (In vino veritas) has a supplementary continuation: "… therefore - let's drink!" (… Ergo bibamus!).
Step 8
The expression "Truth in wine" in any modern sense cannot justify those who are overly keen on the "green serpent".
