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
For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth, Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech, To stir men's blood: I only speak right on; I tell you that which you yourselves do know.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses the idea that genuine honesty and straightforwardness are more important than eloquence or persuasion.
In this quote, Shakespeare reflects on the limitations of one's own abilities in communication. He acknowledges that he may lack the skills of wit or eloquence, yet emphasizes the importance of speaking truthfully and directly. The essence of the message suggests that true communication stems from authenticity, and that sometimes, sharing what is already known can be more impactful than ornate rhetoric.
Themes
HonestyCommunicationAuthenticityWisdomTruth
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion on transparency in leadership, you might quote this to stress the importance of honesty.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes βLove 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
When you are mute, you become a good listener - it's all one-way. You appreciate the written word. You appreciate the sound.
James Earl JonesRead
Things are going downhill with you!' he said to himself, and laughed about it, and as he was saying it, he happened to glance at the river, and he also saw the river going downhill, always moving on downhill, and singing and being happy through it all.
Hermann HesseRead
We can learn much from wise words, little from wisecracks, and less from wise guys.
William Arthur WardRead
Economy is half the battle in life, but it is not so hard to earn money as to spend it well. Hundreds would never have known want if they had not first known waste.
Charles SpurgeonRead
For me, it's been liberating to put myself in the mind of a fictitious six year-old each day, and rediscover my own curiosity. I've been amazed at how one idea leads to others if I allow my mind to play and wander.
Bill WattersonRead
Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment.
HoraceRead