This proverb implies everything that appears attractive may not necessarily be good. Hence, we should not judge anything based on it’s appearance alone. A book may have an attractive cover but it’s contents could be dull and uninteresting ,whereas on the other hand, a book which may appear extremely boring but may have a wealth of information and knowledge within.
Another maxim, ‘Appearances are deceptive’ relates to this. It also explains that no thing should be brought to a conclusion by observing its look only. In other spheres of life, judging solely on appearance would be highly misleading. Many manufacturers advertise their products in ways which may make their products more attractive and good whereas they may not be as useful and as good as shown. When it comes to humans, to, it is a fallacy to based on appearance. In our country we have people like Mahatma Gandhi, Mahatma Phule, Vardhman Mahavir, who did not have a good reputation for their physical beauty but are revered all over the world for the beautiful qualities like love, kindness and charity which they embodied. So, ‘All that glitters is not gold’ is a proverb, which proves that everything that looks attractive may not really be good.
Nakshatra Sanjay Shah 