”Love all, trust a few, Do wrong to none:
be able for thine enemy Rather in power than use;
and keep thy friend Under thy own life's key:
be check'd for silence, But never tax'd for speech“
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- Meaning
- This Shakespearean advice encapsulates wisdom on interpersonal relations and personal integrity. "Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none" suggests a universal love and goodwill towards everyone, cautious trust in a select few, and a principled life that abstains from harming others. The recommendation to be “able for thine enemy rather in power than use” implies maintaining strength to deter enemies but advocating restraint and ethical usage of power. Keeping a friend "under thy own life’s key" symbolizes the guarding of friendships as precious, intimate parts of one's life. The exhortation to be "check'd for silence, but never tax'd for speech" highlights the importance of measured speech—valuable when necessary but prudent when silence is called for.
- Allegory
- The balanced scale in the image represents harmony and the wise handling of relationships and power—the heart symbolizes universal love, while the lock denotes the careful selection of those we trust. The resting lion portrays strength that is present but not misused, adhering to the phrase's counsel to be potent but restrained towards adversaries. The dove illustrates the principle of non-malfeasance. The transitioning sky from dusk to night reflects the wisdom in balancing speech with silence, suggesting that both have their time and place. The stars and river symbolize the continuity and fluidity of life's experiences, guiding viewers to consider a balanced, ethical life approach.
- Applicability
- The guidance offered in this phrase can serve as a moral compass in everyday decisions and interactions. It teaches balance—understanding when to love, when to trust, and the merit of non-malfeasance. It encourages building strong, confidential friendships and using power responsibly without succumbing to tyranny or oppression. Lastly, it beautifully captures the essence of free speech juxtaposed with the wisdom of silence, suggesting that while it's important to express oneself, knowing when to remain silent can be equally significant.
- Impact
- As a part of Shakespeare's work, this phrase has impacted generations, often cited in discussions about moral integrity, ethical leadership, and interpersonal relationships. Its enduring wisdom is applicable in various contexts, from personal development to professional and political leadership. It has also been studied extensively in academic circles, enriching understanding of ethical and philosophical foundations in literature and real life.
- Historical Context
- This phrase originates from the Shakespearean era, specifically appearing in his play "All's Well That Ends Well," written between 1604 and 1605. This period in English history was marked by the reign of James I and was characterized by relative political stability and flourishing arts, which provided a fertile ground for literary and dramatic explorations of human nature and societal norms.
- Criticisms
- Critique generally centers on the practical application of such idealistic principles. Some argue that absolute adherence to these values might lead to vulnerability in adverse situations, where more pragmatic approaches could be necessary. The balance between trust and skepticism, in particular, often requires more nuance in real-world applications than the phrase might suggest.
- Variations
- Variations in interpretation could arise based on cultural contexts, where norms around trust, speech, and power dynamics differ. In some cultures, for instance, silence is more heavily valued as a sign of wisdom and respect, whereas in others, free speech is more prominently championed as a virtue.
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Alea iacta est
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As easy as pie.
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There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.
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Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind.
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Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.
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Doubt thou the stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt I love.
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Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and others have greatness thrust upon them.
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Look before you leap.
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The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves.
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