Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; For loan oft loses…
““Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, 85 And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell; my blessing season this in thee!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Advice to remain true to oneself, avoid financial entanglements, and maintain integrity in relationships.
In simple terms: Be honest, avoid borrowing/lending, stay true to yourself.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize integrity and self‑trust over external pressures.
Themes
integrity
self‑trust
financial prudence
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- friendship
- financial dealings
- personal conduct
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
personal ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance generosity with self‑preservation?
- When is borrowing ethically acceptable?
A Different Perspective
Modern contexts may view borrowing/lending differently; rigid moralism can be limiting.