As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not" (5.3.25-28).
William ShakespeareRead
The art of our necessities is strange That can make vile things precious.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The way we value things is often influenced by our needs, transforming the ordinary into something valuable.
In this quote, Shakespeare suggests that our perception of value is not inherent in objects themselves but is shaped by our necessities and desires. What may initially seem worthless can gain significance through the context of our lives, illustrating the power of perspective and human experience in art and life.
Themes
ValueNecessitiesPerspectiveAppreciationArt
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about rising above challenges.
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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
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