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Company, villainous company, hath been the spoil of me.
William Shakespeare
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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

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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