A HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE ON ETHICAL VALUES IN ENGLISH PROVERBS

Proverbs serve as condensed moral narratives, offering insight into the collective values of a culture over time. In the English-speaking world, proverbs have historically functioned as a means of reinforcing ethical behavior, reflecting dominant ideologies, and instructing both children and adults in social norms. This study investigates the evolution of ethical values in English proverbs from the Old English period through to the modern era, examining how shifts in religion, philosophy, economic structures, and social attitudes have influenced the content and tone of proverbial wisdom.