Quote by William Shakespeare

What win I, if I gain the thing I seek?A dream, a breath, a froth of fleeting joy.Who buys a minute's mirth to wail a week?Or sells eternity to get a toy?For one sweet grape who will the vine destroy?Or what fond beggar, but to touch the crown,Would with the sceptre straight be strucken down?

What win I, if I gain the thing I seek?A dream, a breath, a

Summary

This quote from Shakespeare's Sonnet 129 questions the worth and consequences of pursuing shallow pleasures. It reflects on the futile pursuit of materialistic desires, comparing them to fleeting dreams, breaths, and froth. It questions the value of sacrificing long-term happiness and eternal principles for temporary joys or petty gains. The imagery of a grape destroying the vine emphasizes the destructive nature of indulging in immediate gratifications. Ultimately, it challenges the reader to consider the true cost and genuine worth of their desires and actions.

Topics

Greed Destruction Fleeting Possession Gain

By William Shakespeare

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