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
Talking isn't doing. It is a kind of good deed to say well; and yet words are not deeds.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Talking about good actions is not enough; actions are what truly matter.
This quote emphasizes the distinction between merely discussing intentions and actually taking action. While it can be positive to speak about good deeds, it is essential to recognize that words alone are insufficient; true value comes from following through with deeds and making a tangible impact in the world.
Themes
ActionsWordsDeedsIntentionImpact
In practice
Example use cases
During a team meeting, to encourage everyone to contribute more than just ideas.
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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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