QuoteProject
A golden mind stoops not to shows of dross.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

A wise person doesn't lower themselves to engage in trivial or worthless matters.

This quote by Shakespeare emphasizes the value of maintaining a high standard of thought and action. A 'golden mind' represents someone with true wisdom and insight, while 'shows of dross' refers to superficial or materialistic distractions. Essentially, the quote suggests that those who are truly wise will not waste their time or energy on things that lack substance or meaning.

Themes

WisdomMindValueTrivialSubstance

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about focusing on what truly matters in life.

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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A little wisdom, now and then

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