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Well, well! Why, have you any discretion? Have you any…

“Well, well! Why, have you any discretion? Have you any eyes? Do you know what a man is? Is not birth, beauty, good shape, discourse, manhood, learning, gentleness, virtue, youth, liberality, and such like, the spice and salt that season a man? CRESSIDA Ay, a minc'd man; and then to be bak'd with…” quote by William Shakespeare
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““Well, well! Why, have you any discretion? Have you any eyes? Do you know what a man is? Is not birth, beauty, good shape, discourse, manhood, learning, gentleness, virtue, youth, liberality, and such like, the spice and salt that season a man? CRESSIDA Ay, a minc'd man; and then to be bak'd with no date in the pie, for then the man's date is out.””

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.

Human qualities and virtues shape identity; lacking them leaves one empty.

In simple terms: Virtues define a person.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate virtues for a full life.

Themes

identity virtue human nature

Mood

reflective thoughtful

Type

theatrical philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal growth
  • education
  • leadership training
  • relationship building

Key Concepts

Philosophy character development social expectations

Questions to Reflect On

  • Which virtues matter most to you?
  • How do societal expectations affect your self‑concept?
A Different Perspective

Virtues alone may not guarantee happiness.

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