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
Britain is A world by itself, and we will nothing pay For wearing our own noses.
Interpretation
The quote suggests that Britain is unique and independent, and there is no need to conform to external expectations.
In this quote, Shakespeare expresses the idea that Britain, as a distinct entity, holds its own identity and values. The phrase 'we will nothing pay for wearing our own noses' highlights the importance of authenticity and pride in one's national character, implying that one should not compromise their individuality or cultural essence to satisfy outside pressures or demands.
In practice
During a discussion about national pride and identity, this quote can be used to emphasize the importance of being true to oneself.
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).
Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
As birds' wings beat the solid air without which none could fly so words freed by the imagination affirm reality by their flight.
No people is wholly civilized where a distinction is drawn between stealing an office and stealing a purse.
We can do nothing without the body, let us always take care that it is in the best condition to sustain us.
I have always been reasonably leery of religion because there are so many edicts in religion, 'thou shalt not,' or 'thou shalt.' I wanted my world of the future to be clear of that.
I don't like people who speak or think in terms of gaining anybody's confidence. If one's actions are honest, one does not need the predated confidence of others, only their rational perception. The person who craves a moral blank check of that kind, has dishonest intentions, whether he admits it to himself or not.
The happy medium - truth in all things - is no longer either known or valued; to gain applause, one must write things so inane that they might be played on barrel-organs, or so unintelligible that no rational being can comprehend them, though on that very account, they are likely to please.
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