Deeds Quote by William Shakespeare
“For sweetest things turn sourest by their deeds; Lillies that fester smell far worse than weeds.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tempest, Act 5, Scene 1, 1611
Good deeds can become corrupt, and things once beautiful can become repulsive when their actions betray their nature.
In simple terms: Nice things become bad when they act badly.
Key Takeaway
Guard your actions to preserve goodness.
Themes
morality
corruption
appearance vs reality
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
literary
moralistic
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- leadership
- environmental stewardship
Key Concepts
ethical decay
reversal of value
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you ensure your actions reflect your values?
- Can outward beauty hide harmful intent?
A Different Perspective
Actions can’t always be judged solely by outward appearance.
