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Appearance Quote by William Shakespeare

“All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told: Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold: Gilded tombs do worms enfold.” quote by William Shakespeare
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“All that glisters is not gold; Often have you heard that told: Many a man his life hath sold But my outside to behold: Gilded tombs do worms enfold.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Source Play: The Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 2

Appearances can be deceiving; true value often lies beneath a glittering surface.

In simple terms: Looks can be misleading.

Key Takeaway

Look beyond the shine.

Themes

appearance value deception

Mood

cautious reflective

Type

literary cautionary

When to use this quote

  • investment decisions
  • relationship judgments
  • consumer purchases
  • career choices

Key Concepts

perception materialism truth

Questions to Reflect On

  • What do you value beyond its surface?
  • How can you test true worth?
A Different Perspective

Not all that glitters is valuable; some shine to mask decay.

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