Watch well each separate citizen, Lest having in his heart…
“Watch well each separate citizen, Lest having in his heart of hearts A secret spear, one still may come Saluting you with cheerful face, And utter with a double tongue The feigned good wishes of his wary mind.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Beware hidden motives; people may feign friendliness while harboring secret hostility.
In simple terms: Watch for hidden motives.
Key Takeaway
Stay vigilant.
Themes
trust
deception
politics
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
political
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- negotiations
- team building
- conflict prevention
Key Concepts
ethics
social dynamics
strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you discern genuine intent?
- What safeguards prevent deception?
A Different Perspective
May breed paranoia if overapplied.