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Nay, do not think I flatter. For what advancement may I hope from thee, That no revenue hast but thy good spirits To feed and clothe thee? Why should the poor be flattered?
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Flattery offers no benefits to the poor, as their true value lies in their spirit rather than material gain.

In this quote, Shakespeare raises a critical question about the nature of flattery and its implications for those who have little to show in terms of wealth or status. He suggests that flattering the poor serves no real purpose, as there is no material advancement to be gained, emphasizing the inherent value of human spirit over economic status and questioning the ethics of insincerely complimenting those who are struggling.

Themes

FlatteryPovertyValueSpiritHumanity

In practice

Example use cases

During a speech on social justice, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of recognizing the worth of individuals beyond their economic status.

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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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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