In a recent radio talk show, a caller commented that “people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”. He was referring to the Teflon nature of EFF leader Julius Malema who saw fit to comment on theft, while the trail of his looting of VBS Bank hangs in the balance.
While hypocrisy is a well-used tool in the game of politics, Malema is arguably master of the art with his tendency to flip-flop on issues, even since his earliest days as a player on the political spectrum.
The idiom ‘people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones’ is a timeless piece of wisdom that cautions against hypocrisy and the act of criticising others when one is equally at fault – one Julius Malema for example. A similar idiom is the ‘pot calling the kettle black’ – no explanation necessary.
Early usage
The phrase has a rich history, dating back to the 14th century. The earliest known use of a similar expression is found in Geoffrey Chaucer’s *Troilus and Criseyde* (circa 1385), where he wrote, “Who that hath an hed of verre, Fro cast of stones war hym in the werre!”¹. This translates to “He who has a head of glass, let him beware of stones.”
The idiom was later popularised in the 17th century by Welsh poet George Herbert, who wrote, “Whose house is of glass, must not throw stones at another”². This version closely resembles the modern phrasing we use today.
The idiom is commonly used to remind individuals not to criticise others for faults that they themselves possess. It serves as a warning against hypocrisy and encourages self-reflection before passing judgment on others.
Introspect first
For example, imagine a scenario where a manager criticizes an employee for being late to meetings, despite the manager’s own frequent demonstration of not being on time. In this case, someone might remind the manager, “People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”
The idiom is versatile and can be applied in various contexts, from personal relationships to professional settings. Empathy and understanding, desirable qualities in a manager would have the manager pausing for a moment of introspection before lashing out at the individual who arrived late to the meeting.
Today, where social media amplifies every action and opinion, the idiom “people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones” is more relevant than ever. It serves as a reminder to practise humility and avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy.
While politics is rife with hypocrisy, it can’t hurt to check our own tendencies to judge others on behaviour we may also be guilty of, yet slow to recognise as the blindspot prevails.
This blog was assisted by AI
References:
¹: Geoffrey Chaucer, *Troilus and Criseyde* (circa 1385)
²: George Herbert, *Jacula Prudentum* (1651)
https://poemanalysis.com/proverb/those-who-live-in-glass-houses-shouldnt-throw-stones/.
https://grammarist.com/proverb/people-who-live-in-glass-houses-shouldnt-throw-stones/.
https://www.phrases.org.uk/bulletin_board/5/messages/519.html
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