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
Company, villainous company, hath been the spoil of me.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The influence of detrimental companions has led to my downfall.
In this quote from Shakespeare, the speaker reflects on how toxic or negative relationships, referred to as 'villainous company', have corrupted and harmed them. It highlights the profound impact that one's associations and friendships can have on a person's character and life trajectory, suggesting that surrounding oneself with bad influences can lead to personal ruin.
Themes
CompanyInfluenceRelationshipsToxicFriendship
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of choosing friends wisely.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes βLove bears it out even to the edge of doom.
William ShakespeareRead
Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
William ShakespeareRead
Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
William ShakespeareRead
Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
William ShakespeareRead
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
William ShakespeareRead
Similar quotes
How we dwelt in two worlds the daughters and the mothers in the kingdom of the sons.
Adrienne RichRead
Well married a person has wings, poorly married shackles.
Henry Ward BeecherRead
People who are alone all the time never grow. Those hermits just stay the same. It's only through relationships. Relationships change us and make us grow.
Viola DavisRead
There is a huge sense of loneliness as people leave villages and move to cities. It's hard to find that human connection as you move away from where you started.
Mohsin HamidRead
I wish that for just one time you could stand inside my shoes. You'd know what a drag it is to see you.
Bob DylanRead
You become a better dater when you have a truly fulfilling life that is not dependent on someone else. Even if someone leaves, your life continues unscathed.
Matthew HusseyRead