QuoteProject
We must love men, ere to us they will seem worthy of our love.
William Shakespeare
ShareWTF𝕏

Interpretation

What this quote means

We must first choose to love others for them to be deserving of our love in return.

This quote expresses the idea that love is a choice we make rather than a reaction to someone's worthiness. Shakespeare suggests that when we approach others with love and compassion, it influences how we perceive their character and value, creating a cycle of reciprocity in relationships.

Themes

LoveRelationshipsWorthinessCompassionReciprocity

In practice

Example use cases

During a wedding ceremony to emphasize the importance of loving each other unconditionally.

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).
William ShakespeareRead
Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
William ShakespeareRead
Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
William ShakespeareRead
Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
William ShakespeareRead
Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
William ShakespeareRead
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
William ShakespeareRead

Similar quotes

My dearest life, I know you are not mine forever; but do love me even if it’s for this moment. After that I shall vanish into the forest where you cast me, I won’t ask anyone for anything again. Give me something that can last me till I die.
Rabindranath TagoreRead
Love never claims, it ever gives. Love ever suffers, never resents never revenges itself.
Mahatma GandhiRead
You get that love from the people. It lets me know that all the madness I go through, all the stuff that the business has to offer with all its madness; it makes it worthwhile.
Whitney HoustonRead
Down on the lake rosy reflections of celestial vapor appeared, and I said, "God, I love you" and looked to the sky and really meant it. "I have fallen in love with you, God. Take care of us all, one way or the other." To the children and the innocent it's all the same.
Jack KerouacRead
We all support the idea of a strong marriage, we all clearly like a good party. Call us hopeless romantics, call it the triumph of hope over experience - most of us think when people love each other and want to make that long-term commitment, that is a wonderful thing. So why would we stop a loving couple getting married just because they are gay?
Yvette CooperRead
An unhappy alternative is before you, Elizabeth. From this day you must be a stranger to one of your parents. Your mother will never see you again if you do not marry Mr. Collins, and I will never see you again if you do.
Jane AustenRead

A little wisdom, now and then

Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.