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
If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes common humanity and the natural responses to pain and injustice.
In this quote, Shakespeare explores the shared experiences of human beings, highlighting that regardless of differences, all people feel pain, joy, and retribution. It serves as a reminder that the capacity for emotion and reaction to suffering is universal, urging empathy and understanding towards others regardless of their background.
Themes
HumanityPainEmpathyRevengeJustice
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on social justice, one could invoke this quote to emphasize the shared suffering of all people.
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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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