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We must love men, ere to us they will seem worthy of our love.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

We must first choose to love others for them to be deserving of our love in return.

This quote expresses the idea that love is a choice we make rather than a reaction to someone's worthiness. Shakespeare suggests that when we approach others with love and compassion, it influences how we perceive their character and value, creating a cycle of reciprocity in relationships.

Themes

LoveRelationshipsWorthinessCompassionReciprocity

In practice

Example use cases

During a wedding ceremony to emphasize the importance of loving each other unconditionally.

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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