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
One good deed dying tongueless Slaughters a thousand waiting upon that. Our praises are our wages.
Interpretation
What this quote means
A single act of kindness is more valuable than countless praises when left unexpressed.
This quote by William Shakespeare conveys the idea that actions, particularly good deeds, hold greater significance than mere words of praise. The metaphor suggests that while many may wait for recognition, it is the deeds themselves that truly count, emphasizing the importance of tangible actions over hollow accolades.
Themes
Good DeedActionsPraiseKindnessDeeds
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about community service, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of helping others rather than seeking recognition.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes βLove 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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