Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
They that know no evil will suspect none.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Those who have no experience of evil are unlikely to suspect it in others.
This quote by Ben Jonson suggests that a lack of exposure to wrongdoing or malevolence leads to a certain naivety; individuals who have never encountered evil may find it hard to recognize it in others. This idea reflects on human nature and the ways in which experience shapes our perceptions and judgments about the world and the people in it.
Themes
EvilNaivetyExperiencePerceptionJudgment
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on trust and relationships, this quote can emphasize the need for awareness of human flaws.
More from Ben Jonson
All quotes βWe are persons of quality, I assure you, and women of fashion, and come to see and to be seen.
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All concord's born of contraries.
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Queen and huntress, chaste and fair Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light Goddess, excellently bright.
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I know no disease of the soul but ignorance, a pernicious evil, the darkener of man's life, the disturber of his reason, and common confounder of truth.
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You are not now to think what's best to do, _x000D_ As in beginnings, but what must be done, _x000D_ Being thus enter'd; and slip no advantage _x000D_ That may secure you. Let them call it mischief; _x000D_ When it is past, and prosper'd , 'twill be virtue.
Ben JonsonRead
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