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
Use every man after his desert, and who should scape whipping?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote suggests that individuals should be treated according to their actions and character, implying that everyone deserves the consequences of their behavior.
William Shakespeare's quote highlights the philosophical notion of justice and accountability. It reflects on the idea that if everyone were to receive exactly what they deserve for their actions, no one would escape punishment. This denotes a moral perspective where fairness is paramount, suggesting that one's deeds will inevitably lead to corresponding outcomes and consequences.
Themes
JusticeAccountabilityConsequencesActionBehavior
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a discussion about moral justice during a philosophy class.
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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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