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
He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.
Interpretation
Overthinking can lead to dangerous consequences, especially for those who wield power.
This quote by Shakespeare highlights the dangers associated with overly analytical individuals, particularly those in positions of authority. It suggests that excessive contemplation and doubt can lead to poor decision-making and may ultimately threaten the status quo or the safety of others.
In practice
In a debate about leadership qualities, one might use this quote to highlight the risks of overthinking.
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).
Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
There is a world of difference between a person who has a big problem and a person who makes a problem big.
We must be ready to learn from one another, not claiming that we alone possess all truth and that somehow we have a corner on God.
One can only pour out of a jug that which is in it.
You can have no dominion greater or less than that over yourself.
You hold in your hand an invitation: to remember the transforming power of forgiveness and loving kindness. To remember that no matter where you are and what you face, within your heart peace is possible.
Let us be silent, that we may hear the whispers of the gods.
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