This proverb reflects a worldview found in Spanish picaresque literature of the Golden Age (16th-17th centuries). Stories like 'Lazarillo de Tormes' featured a cunning protagonist (a 'pícaro') who had to be 'vivo' (sharp/clever) to survive by outsmarting others in a harsh society. The saying encapsulates this survivalist, street-smart mentality.

This is a piece of folk wisdom expressing a deep-seated skepticism about fairness in society. It's often used to comment on situations of injustice, from politics to the workplace, suggesting that hard work alone doesn't guarantee success if one is naive or easily exploited.

The power of the proverb lies in its concise, parallel structure: 'El vivo vive del bobo / y el bobo de su trabajo.' This rhythmic balance makes it memorable. The key is the colloquial meaning of 'vivo' – not just 'alive,' but 'clever' or 'cunning.' This wordplay creates a stark contrast with 'bobo' (fool), defining a fundamental and often unfair social dynamic.