Skip to content

Bob Quote by William Shakespeare

“The why is plain as way to parish church: He that a fool doth very wisely hit Doth very foolishly, although he smart, Not to seem senseless of the bob; if not, The wise man's folly is anatomiz'd Even by the squand'ring glances of the fool.” quote by William Shakespeare
Download Open image
“The why is plain as way to parish church: He that a fool doth very wisely hit Doth very foolishly, although he smart, Not to seem senseless of the bob; if not, The wise man's folly is anatomiz'd Even by the squand'ring glances of the fool.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Source Play: Unknown (likely a paraphrase of a soliloquy)

The speaker mocks the foolishness of pretending wisdom while actually being foolish, highlighting the irony of self‑deception.

In simple terms: Pretending wisdom reveals true folly.

Key Takeaway

Beware of false confidence.

Themes

irony folly self‑deception wisdom

Mood

wry critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic debate
  • personal reflection
  • public speaking
  • leadership

Key Concepts

literature philosophy psychology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you distinguish true wisdom from pretension?
  • When does humility become self‑criticism?
A Different Perspective

It may oversimplify complex intellect.

4.3 out of 5 (5 ratings)

More by William Shakespeare

Explore all 5,604 William Shakespeare quotes

More Bob quotes

Browse all 886 Bob quotes