Set a beggar on horseback and he will ride a gallop

Set a beggar on horseback and he will ride a gallop

The phrase "set a beggar on horseback and he will ride a gallop" is a proverb that has been used for centuries to illustrate the idea that giving someone power or wealth who is not accustomed to it can lead to reckless behavior or misuse of that power. This concept can be seen in the work of Robert Burton, a 17th-century English scholar and writer best known for his book "The Anatomy of Melancholy."

In "The Anatomy of Melancholy," Burton explores the complexities of human nature and the various factors that can contribute to mental illness. One of the themes that Burton touches on in his work is the idea of excess and how it can lead to negative consequences. The proverb "set a beggar on horseback and he will ride a gallop" can be seen as a reflection of this theme in Burton's writing.

Burton believed that human beings were prone to excess in all aspects of their lives, whether it be in their pursuit of wealth, power, or pleasure. He argued that when individuals are suddenly given access to these things without having earned them or developed the necessary skills to handle them responsibly, they are likely to abuse them.