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A beggar's book outworths a noble's blood.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The value of knowledge or wisdom surpasses noble birth or wealth.

In this quote, Shakespeare emphasizes the idea that true worth is not derived from social status or lineage, but from wisdom and knowledge. A beggar, representing the common man, can possess greater insight and understanding than someone born into wealth and privilege, illustrating that merit and value come from within rather than from external circumstances.

Themes

WisdomKnowledgeValueSocial StatusEquality

In practice

Example use cases

During a discussion on the importance of education, one might reference this quote to highlight that intelligence is more valuable than wealth.

More from William Shakespeare

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).
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Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
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Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
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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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