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My dear dear lord, The purest treasure mortal times afford…

“My dear dear lord, The purest treasure mortal times afford Is spotless reputation; that away, Men are but gilded loam or painted clay. A jewel in a ten-times-barred-up chest Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast. Mine honor is my life; both grow in one. Take honor from me and my life is done. Then…” quote by William Shakespeare
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““My dear dear lord, The purest treasure mortal times afford Is spotless reputation; that away, Men are but gilded loam or painted clay. A jewel in a ten-times-barred-up chest Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast. Mine honor is my life; both grow in one. Take honor from me and my life is done. Then, dear my liege, mine honor let me try. In that I live, and for that will I die.””

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.

Honour is the highest treasure; without it a person is merely a façade.

In simple terms: Honor defines true worth.

Key Takeaway

Guard your reputation.

Themes

honor integrity loyalty

Mood

serious reflective

Type

ethical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • leadership
  • personal conduct
  • military duty

Key Concepts

reputation selfworth masculinity

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does honor mean to you?
  • How do you protect your reputation?
A Different Perspective

Honor can be compromised by external pressures.

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