Bad news goes about in clogs, good news in stockinged feet

Bad news goes about in clogs, good news in stockinged feet

The proverb "Bad news goes about in clogs, good news in stockinged feet" is a timeless piece of wisdom that speaks to the nature of human communication and the way in which we tend to focus on negativity over positivity. The imagery of bad news clomping around in heavy clogs while good news tiptoes quietly in stockinged feet is a powerful metaphor for the way in which negative information tends to spread more quickly and loudly than positive news.

In today's fast-paced world of social media and instant communication, this proverb is more relevant than ever. It seems that bad news travels at the speed of light, spreading like wildfire across the internet and dominating headlines in the news. Whether it's a natural disaster, a tragic event, or a scandal involving a public figure, negative information has a way of capturing our attention and dominating our conversations.

On the other hand, good news often seems to get lost in the shuffle. It may be shared among close friends and family members, but it rarely makes the same impact as bad news. This is perhaps because positive events are seen as less newsworthy or less sensational than negative events. As a result, we are bombarded with a constant stream of doom and gloom, while stories of hope, kindness, and success are relegated to the background.

But why is this the case? Why do we seem to be more drawn to bad news than good news? One possible explanation is that negative information triggers a stronger emotional response in us. We are wired to pay more attention to threats and dangers, as this helped our ancestors survive in a hostile environment. As a result, we are more likely to remember and share negative information, as it activates our fight-or-flight response.

Another reason may be that bad news simply sells better. Media outlets know that stories of tragedy and conflict are more likely to attract viewers and readers, so they prioritize these types of stories in order to boost their ratings and circulation. This creates a vicious cycle in which negative news is constantly reinforced and amplified, while positive news is pushed to the sidelines.