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Art Quote by William Shakespeare

“Sit down: thou art no flatterer: I thank thee for it; and heaven forbid That kings should let their ears hear their faults hid!” quote by William Shakespeare
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““Sit down: thou art no flatterer: I thank thee for it; and heaven forbid That kings should let their ears hear their faults hid!””

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Source Play: King Lear, Act 2 Scene 4, 1605

A ruler should accept honest criticism rather than hide faults.

In simple terms: Kings must listen to truth, not ignore it.

Key Takeaway

Embrace honest feedback.

Themes

leadership humility truth communication power

Mood

dramatic serious

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political counsel
  • personal relationships
  • organizational feedback
  • public service

Key Concepts

ethical governance self‑awareness

Questions to Reflect On

  • How to create safe spaces for critique?
  • What consequences of ignoring faults?
A Different Perspective

Power can suppress truth, making reform hard.

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