Sayings

The wish is father to the thought

This page is about the saying "The wish is father to the thought"

Possible meaning:
Our opinions or beliefs are often influenced by our desires and hopes. The phrase "father to" is used in the sense of parentage: the thought is born from the wish.

Origin: This proverb is based on Shakespeare's King Henry IV Part 2 (1597):

Prince Henry (Harry):
I never thought to hear you speak again.

King Henry IV:
Thy wish was father, Harry, to that thought:
I stay too long by thee, I weary thee.

wish (noun): desire, hope
thought (noun): an idea or opinion in the mind

Quick Quiz

The saying "The wish is father to the thought" suggests that the way we think may depend on

a. things that are further away

b. what we want to happen

c. how our parents think
a) things that are further away b) what we want to happen c) how our parents think

See Saying of the Day today

Contributor: Josef Essberger