Belonging Quote by William Shakespeare
“Thyself and thy belongings Are not thine own so proper, as to waste Thyself upon thy virtues, they on thee. Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues Did not go forth of us 't were all alike As if we had them not. Spirits are not finely touch'd But to fine issues; nor Nature never lends The smallest scruple of her excellence, But, like a thrifty goddess, she determines Herself the glory of a creditor - Both thanks and use.”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tempest, Act 5, Scene 2
We should not hoard virtues or self‑esteem; they must be shared, otherwise they become meaningless and unremarkable.
In simple terms: Virtues need to be expressed, not kept private.
Key Takeaway
Share your strengths openly.
Themes
humility
generosity
self‑awareness
Mood
reflective
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- leadership
- personal relationships
- community building
Key Concepts
existentialism
ethical conduct
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance self‑respect with generosity?
- When does sharing become self‑promotion?
A Different Perspective
Virtues can be misused if displayed without sincerity.
