Quote by William Shakespeare

God's bodkin, man, much better: use every man after his desert, and who shall scape whipping? Use them after your own honor and dignity -- the less they deserve, the more merit is in your bounty?

God's bodkin, man, much better: use every man after his dese

Summary

This quote is from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet" and is spoken by the character Hamlet himself. Hamlet's phrase "God's bodkin" is an exclamation of astonishment, and the subsequent question challenges the concept of meritocracy. Hamlet suggests that instead of giving people what they deserve, it would be more noble to treat them according to one's own honor and dignity. In this way, even those who may not appear deserving would benefit from the magnanimity of others, thereby increasing the merit of the giver.

Topics

Generosity Compassion

By William Shakespeare

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