Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none William Shakespeare Quotation Early 17th Century England 0 0 0 0 Write the first comment Meaning This phrase encapsulates a balanced, ethical approach to life. "Love all" suggests universal love and kindness towards everyone. "Trust a few" implies cautiousness and the importance of being selective about who you place your trust in. "Do wrong to none" emphasizes acting with integrity and not harming others. Together, it advocates for a compassionate yet discerning and ethical way of living. Allegory The guardian angel represents the concept of universal love and kindness, highlighting Shakespeare's counsel to "love all." The diversity of people around the angel symbolizes the wide-reaching love and acceptance of everyone, irrespective of background. The small group of close friends in the foreground represents the careful discernment in trusting a few, encapsulating the importance of selective trust. Finally, the tranquil pastoral scene with people engaging in kind and supportive actions symbolizes ethical living and not doing wrong to anyone, resonant with the phrase "Do wrong to none." This balanced imagery encapsulates the message of love, trust, and integrity. Applicability The phrase can be applied in personal life by encouraging people to approach others with an open heart, while also being mindful and cautious about whom they trust deeply. It teaches us to live ethically by avoiding actions that could harm others, thus cultivating a harmonious and trustworthy social environment. Impact This phrase has had a lasting impact, resonating across centuries as a simple yet deep moral guideline. It is often cited in discussions about ethical behavior, trust, and interpersonal relationships. Its enduring relevance speaks to Shakespeare's understanding of human nature. Historical Context This phrase originated around 1623 when "All's Well That Ends Well" was published in the First Folio. The play reflects the societal and cultural norms of the Elizabethan era, where loyalty, honor, and ethical behavior were highly valued. Criticisms Criticisms might arise regarding the practical application of "loving all" in a world where people can get hurt or taken advantage of. Others might argue that trusting a few could lead to significant vulnerability if those few betray the trust. Variations Variations of this phrase appear in many religious and philosophical texts emphasizing love, trust, and ethical treatment of others, including the Biblical Golden Rule. Eastern philosophies such as Confucianism also emphasize ethical reciprocity and integrity in relationships. Go back to the description 280 characters left Send Comment No Comments The empty vessel makes the loudest sound. Plutarch Read more The quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. William Shakespeare Read more False face must hide what the false heart doth know. William Shakespeare Read more Words, words, mere words, no matter from the heart. William Shakespeare Read more Though she be but little, she is fierce! William Shakespeare Read more I wasted time, and now doth time waste me. William Shakespeare Read more With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come. William Shakespeare Read more O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. William Shakespeare Read more How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees? William Shakespeare Read more Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break. William Shakespeare Read more Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving. William Shakespeare Read more How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child! William Shakespeare Read more You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. You'll be able to save your preferences and post comments. Sign in with: or with your email address: Email Password Sign in Loading... Name Insert your name or nick (3 to 20 char). Email Insert a valid email address to be verified. Password 8+ chars, 1 uppercase, 1 lowercase, 1 number, 1 special @$!%*?_+ Clicking the Create account button will send you a verification email. Create account New here? Sign up. Previous Close
The quality of mercy is not strain'd, it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven upon the place beneath. William Shakespeare Read more
O, beware, my lord, of jealousy; It is the green-ey'd monster which doth mock the meat it feeds on. William Shakespeare Read more
How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees? William Shakespeare Read more
Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o-er wrought heart and bids it break. William Shakespeare Read more
Reputation is an idle and most false imposition; oft got without merit, and lost without deserving. William Shakespeare Read more