Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon! Ah, when the…
““Great Timon, noble, worthy, royal Timon! Ah, when the means are gone that buy this praise, The breath is gone whereof this praise is made: Feast-won, fast-lost; one cloud of winter showers, These flies are couch'd.””
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 laments that praise fades when the source of merit disappears, likening it to fleeting clouds and flies.
In simple terms: Praise disappears when the merit is gone.
Key Takeaway
Recognize that praise is often fleeting.
Themes
pride
impermanence
flattery
vanity
transience
Mood
melancholic
reflective
philosophical
Type
literary
poetic
contemplative
When to use this quote
- courtly life
- public acclaim
- personal reputation
Key Concepts
ephemeral fame
ego
social validation
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you maintain self‑worth without praise?
- What sustains lasting respect?
A Different Perspective
Reliance on external validation can be unstable.