"All is fair in love and war", a proverb attributed to John Lyly's Euphues. John Lyly's novel, Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit, published in 1578, is the earliest known origin of the sentiment all is fair in love and war. The novel recounts the romantic adventures of a wealthy and attractive young man. It includes the quote, the rules of fair play do not apply in love and war. The saying "All is fair in love and war" finds its roots in John Lyly's novel, "Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit," published in 1578. As one of the earliest instances of this sentiment, the quote encapsulates the idea that the normal rules of fair play can be set aside when it comes to matters of love and war.
"Euphues" tells the romantic adventures of a wealthy and attractive young man, and within its pages, Lyly introduces the concept that in the realms of love and war, traditional notions of fairness and propriety may not always apply. The specific quote reads, "the rules of fair play do not apply in love and war."
Over time, this proverb has evolved into a widely used expression, capturing the notion that in the pursuit of love or during the turbulence of war, individuals may employ strategies and tactics that might be considered unconventional or outside the bounds of normal conduct. The saying reflects the complex and often unpredictable nature of these two powerful aspects of human experience.
As the phrase has become ingrained in popular culture, it continues to be invoked to justify actions or decisions that might be considered morally ambiguous or ethically challenging in the contexts of love and war. The enduring popularity of this proverb speaks to its resonance with the intricate and multifaceted nature of human relationships and conflicts.