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
Society is no comfort, to one not sociable.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Isolation from society is difficult for those who do not engage socially.
This quote reflects the idea that society can be a source of comfort and support for individuals, especially those who are sociable. In contrast, for someone who is not inclined to socialize, the presence of society can feel overwhelming and unwelcoming, leading to feelings of loneliness and discomfort. Shakespeare highlights the importance of social connections and how one's personality influences their experiences within society.
Themes
SocietyComfortSociableLonelinessRelationships
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about mental health, one could use this quote to highlight the importance of social interactions for well-being.
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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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