Maybe the underlying rule is: the more you know about something, the more you are aware of its flaws, making the alternatives you know less about more attractive?
I don’t think it’s that deep in the case of the Spanish saying.
In French, they say « Les cordonniers sont toujours les plus mal chaussés », which roughly translates to shoemakers always wear the worst quality of shoes. That’s not because they’re aware of any transient flaw in the inherent design of footwear, though.
I think there are definitely different applications of the phrase and different versions of it.
As someone that does a “traditional” trade. I do work in leathercraft. My friends and family all have nice pieces I’ve made them. I’ve literally yet to make myself more than a belt. And it’s just a piece I didn’t like enough when it was done. So I remade another for the person I meant to give it to.
Not that I wouldn’t like a nice piece for myself. But, it’s just a lot more fun to make something for someone else.
That ks for sharing this, this is fascinating.
Maybe the underlying rule is: the more you know about something, the more you are aware of its flaws, making the alternatives you know less about more attractive?
I don’t think it’s that deep in the case of the Spanish saying.
In French, they say « Les cordonniers sont toujours les plus mal chaussés », which roughly translates to shoemakers always wear the worst quality of shoes. That’s not because they’re aware of any transient flaw in the inherent design of footwear, though.
I think there are definitely different applications of the phrase and different versions of it.
As someone that does a “traditional” trade. I do work in leathercraft. My friends and family all have nice pieces I’ve made them. I’ve literally yet to make myself more than a belt. And it’s just a piece I didn’t like enough when it was done. So I remade another for the person I meant to give it to.
Not that I wouldn’t like a nice piece for myself. But, it’s just a lot more fun to make something for someone else.