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I like not fair terms and a villain's mind.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote expresses a disdain for superficial agreements and ill-intent in human interactions.

In this quote, William Shakespeare critiques the idea of making superficial agreements or being wantonly agreeable with those who harbor malevolent intentions. It underscores the importance of integrity and authenticity over mere appearances, suggesting that aligning oneself with deceptive individuals leads to moral corruption and a loss of self-respect.

Themes

IntegrityAuthenticityDeceptionEvilSuperficiality

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on honesty in business, one might say, 'As Shakespeare said, I like not fair terms and a villain's mind.'

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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