Duchess: Diamonds are of most value, They say, that have…
““Duchess: Diamonds are of most value, They say, that have pass’d through most jewellers’ hands. Ferdinand: Whores, by that rule, are precious. —John Webster, The Duchess of Malfi (I.ii)””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Value is judged by how many hands have touched something, implying that frequent use can make even immoral things seem valuable.
In simple terms: Frequent handling makes things seem valuable.
Key Takeaway
Question the criteria we use to assign worth.
Themes
value
morality
perception
societal norms
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
ethical
When to use this quote
- evaluating art
- marketing
- personal relationships
- ethical debates
Key Concepts
social proof
ethical relativism
cultural conditioning
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you value things because of their history or their nature?
- How does society’s view of value affect personal ethics?
A Different Perspective
It ignores intrinsic moral quality, focusing only on external validation.