What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by. Richard…
““What do I fear? Myself? There’s none else by. Richard loves Richard; that is, I and I. Is there a murderer here? No. Yes, I am. Then fly! What, from myself? Great reason why: Lest I revenge. What, myself upon myself? Alack, I love myself. Wherefore? For any good That I myself have done unto myself? O, no! Alas, I rather hate myself For hateful deeds committed by myself. I am a villain. Yet I lie. I am not. Fool, of thyself speak well. Fool, do not flatter: My conscience hath a thousand several tongues, And every tongue brings in a several tale, And every tale condemns me for a villain. Perjury, perjury, in the highest degree; Murder, stern murder, in the direst degree; All several sins, all used in each degree, Throng to the bar, crying all, “Guilty! guilty!” I shall despair. There is no creature loves me, And if I die no soul will pity me. And wherefore should they, since that I myself Find in myself no pity to myself?””
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 wrestles with self‑hatred, guilt, and the impossibility of escaping one's own conscience.
In simple terms: Self‑conflict and guilt dominate.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge inner turmoil, seek self‑compassion.
Themes
guilt
self‑identity
inner conflict
self‑love
conscience
Mood
melancholic
introspective
conflicted
Type
literary
philosophical
dramatic
When to use this quote
- therapy
- journaling
- conflict resolution
- self‑acceptance
- meditation
Key Concepts
psychology
existentialism
self‑reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What part of yourself do you judge harshest?
- How can you transform self‑criticism into self‑care?
A Different Perspective
Self‑condemnation can blind one to growth and healing.