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He is not worthy of the honey-comb, that shuns the hives because the bees have stings.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Avoiding risks can prevent great rewards; courage is necessary to achieve what one desires.

This quote by Shakespeare emphasizes that one should not shy away from challenges or potential pain (represented by the stings of bees) when seeking valuable rewards (the honey-comb). It suggests that the rewards in life often come with risks, and those who avoid the challenges may miss out on great opportunities.

Themes

RiskRewardCourageChallengesOpportunity

In practice

Example use cases

In a motivational speech about embracing challenges.

More from William Shakespeare

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).
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Love 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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