Unthrifty loveliness, why dost thou spend Upon thy self…
““Unthrifty loveliness, why dost thou spend Upon thy self thy beauty's legacy? Nature's bequest gives nothing, but doth lend, And being frank she lends to those are free: Then, beauteous niggard, why dost thou abuse The bounteous largess given thee to give? Profitless usurer, why dost thou use So great a sum of sums, yet canst not live? For having traffic with thy self alone, Thou of thy self thy sweet self dost deceive: Then how when nature calls thee to be gone, What acceptable audit canst thou leave? Thy unused beauty must be tombed with thee, Which, used, lives th' executor to be.””
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 wasteful beauty, urging use of one’s gifts rather than hoarding them uselessly.
In simple terms: Don’t waste your talents; put them to use.
Key Takeaway
Apply your abilities before they’re lost.
Themes
beauty
waste
self‑deception
mortality
Mood
reflective
poetic
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- career planning
- artistic creation
- personal development
Key Concepts
human nature
resource allocation
legacy
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance self‑interest with generosity?
- What prevents you from using your talents fully?
A Different Perspective
Focusing on usage may ignore external constraints.