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
In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility: But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger; Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood, Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage; Then lend the eye a terrible aspect; . . . . Now set the teeth and stretch the nostril wide, Hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit To his full height. On, on, you noblest English.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote emphasizes the importance of humility and calm in peace but calls for fierceness and bravery in times of war.
In this quote, Shakespeare contrasts the virtues of modesty and humility during peaceful times with the necessity of courage and aggression when faced with conflict. The speaker advocates for a transformation from a state of tranquility to one of fierce action, suggesting that true nobility is tested in times of struggle, and that one must summon inner strength and adopt a fierce demeanor to confront challenges head-on.
Themes
CourageHumilityWarPeaceStrengthAction
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used as a motivational speech in military training.
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