When you are in a desperate situation or have limited options, you must accept whatever is offered rather than being selective. Those who depend on others' generosity cannot afford to be particular.
This proverb appears in John Heywood's 1546 collection of English proverbs, though the sentiment is much older. It reflects the harsh social realities of medieval and early modern Europe, where actual beggars had to accept whatever charity was offered or face starvation.
This phrase reveals historical attitudes toward poverty and charity - it assumes that being poor means losing the right to preferences. Modern social work challenges this assumption, recognizing that dignity includes having choices. Interestingly, psychological research shows that having some choice, even among limited options, significantly improves wellbeing and outcomes.
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