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A fool, a fool! I met a fool i' th' forest, A motley fool!…

“A fool, a fool! I met a fool i' th' forest, A motley fool! a miserable world! As I do live by food, I met a fool Who laid him down and basked him in the sun And railed on Lady Fortune in good terms, In good set terms, and yet a motley fool.” quote by William Shakespeare
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“A fool, a fool! I met a fool i' th' forest, A motley fool! a miserable world! As I do live by food, I met a fool Who laid him down and basked him in the sun And railed on Lady Fortune in good terms, In good set terms, and yet a motley fool.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker mocks the folly of those who indulge in idle pleasures while ignoring harsher realities.

In simple terms: Mocking fools who waste time in comfort.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and avoid superficial complacency.

Themes

folly fortune contentment

Mood

critical thoughtful

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political satire
  • personal reflection
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

human nature social critique illusion

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does "motley fool" reveal about society?
  • How does fortune influence behavior?
A Different Perspective

The satire may oversimplify complex social conditions.

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