Promising is the very air o' th' time; it opens the eyes…
“Promising is the very air o' th' time; it opens the eyes of expectation. Performance is ever duller for his act; and, but in the plainer and simpler kind of people, the deed of saying is quite out of use. To promise is most courtly and fashionable; performance is a kind of will or testament which argues a great sickness in his judgment that makes it.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Empty promises create hope, but only action fulfills expectations.
In simple terms: Promises raise hope; actions deliver results.
Prioritize deeds over words.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- political speeches
- business negotiations
- personal relationships
- leadership
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When do promises become harmful?
- How can you balance promises with realistic delivery?
Words alone cannot sustain credibility.