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
Their understanding_x000D_ _x000D_ Begins to swell and the approaching tide_x000D_ _x000D_ Will shortly fill the reasonable shores_x000D_ _x000D_ That now lie foul and muddy.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that as understanding grows, it will bring clarity and insight to situations that are currently confusing or chaotic.
William Shakespeare's words reflect the idea that as awareness and comprehension expand, they have the potential to transform tumultuous or unclear circumstances into something organized and meaningful. The metaphor of the tide represents how knowledge and understanding can wash away confusion and bring about clarity, highlighting the inherent potential for growth and improvement in a person or community.
Themes
UnderstandingKnowledgeClarityTransformationGrowth
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a graduation speech to emphasize the importance of continual learning.
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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