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Desire of having is the sin of covetousness.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Desiring what others have can lead to greed and moral downfall.

This quote by Shakespeare highlights the moral implications attached to the desire to possess what belongs to others. It suggests that covetousness, or an intense longing to acquire something that is not yours, is not only a flawed character trait but also a sin that can lead to deeper ethical issues and personal dissatisfaction.

Themes

DesireGreedCovetousnessMoralityEthics

In practice

Example use cases

During a lecture on ethics, one could mention this quote to discuss the moral dangers of envy.

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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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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
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