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
Crowns have their compass-length of days their date-_x000D_ _x000D_ Triumphs their tomb-felicity, her fate-_x000D_ _x000D_ Of nought but earth can earth make us partaker,_x000D_ _x000D_ But knowledge makes a king most like his Maker.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the transient nature of earthly achievements and the enduring value of knowledge.
In this quote, Shakespeare reflects on the fleeting nature of worldly success and the importance of knowledge. While earthly crowns symbolize power and triumphs may bring temporary happiness, it is knowledge that elevates a person, making them resemble the divine. This suggests that true greatness is not found in material or temporal accolades but in the pursuit of wisdom and understanding.
Themes
KnowledgeWisdomSuccessPowerTransience
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote in a graduation speech to emphasize the importance of lifelong learning.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes →Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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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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