Good name in man and woman, dear my lord, Is the immediate jewel of their souls Who steals my purse steals trash 'tis something, nothing 'Twas mine, 'tis his, and has been slave to thousands But he that filches from me my good name Robs me of that which not enriches him And makes me poor indeed.

Summary

This quote by William Shakespeare, spoken by the character Iago in Othello, reflects upon the significance of one's reputation and good name. It suggests that one's reputation is a precious possession, representing the essence of their being. While losing material possessions might be inconsequential, having one's good name stolen not only diminishes the person who commits the act but also impacts the individual whose reputation is tarnished, leaving them truly impoverished. It emphasizes the lasting and powerful impact that a damaged reputation can have on a person's life.