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O, let not virtue seek Remuneration for the thing it was…

“O, let not virtue seek Remuneration for the thing it was; For beauty, wit, High birth, vigour of bone, desert in service, Love, friendship, charity, are subjects all To envious and calumniating time.” quote by William Shakespeare
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““O, let not virtue seek Remuneration for the thing it was; For beauty, wit, High birth, vigour of bone, desert in service, Love, friendship, charity, are subjects all To envious and calumniating time.””

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.

Virtue should not seek reward; beauty, wit, and other gifts are subject to envy and criticism.

In simple terms: Virtue isn’t for profit; gifts attract envy.

Key Takeaway

Value intrinsic worth over external praise.

Themes

ethics beauty human nature

Mood

reflective poetic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal development
  • art criticism
  • social media
  • leadership

Key Concepts

philosophy literature psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you stay true to your values?
  • What role does envy play in society?
A Different Perspective

Not all virtues are recognized equally.

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