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
I am a true laborer: I earn that I eat, get that I wear, owe no man hate, envy no man's happiness, glad of other men's good, content with my harm.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the value of hard work and contentment, showcasing a humble attitude towards life and others' successes.
In this quote, Shakespeare expresses a philosophy of self-sufficiency and humility. He reflects on the importance of earning one's keep through hard work, while also promoting a sense of community and goodwill towards others. By stating he does not harbor negative feelings like hate or envy, he conveys a deeper understanding that one's own contentment should not come at the expense of others' happiness. This outlook fosters a positive and harmonious social environment.
Themes
Hard WorkContentmentHumilityPositivityCommunitySuccess
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can inspire employees during a team-building event.
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Do not be bullied out of your common sense by the specialist; two to one, he is a pedant.
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