Othello Quote by William Shakespeare
““What cannot be preserved when fortune takes Patience her injury a mock'ry makes. The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief. He robs himself that spends a bootless grief.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tempest (attributed), 1611
Patience is mocked by fate; those who smile while robbed still lose something, and grief can be self‑inflicted.
In simple terms: Fate mocks patience; grief harms the griever.
Key Takeaway
Beware of false smiles and needless grief.
Themes
fate
patience
grief
Mood
melancholic
thoughtful
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal loss
- justice
- emotional health
Key Concepts
philosophy
human nature
Questions to Reflect On
- Can a smile be a defense?
- What does self‑inflicted grief reveal about us?
A Different Perspective
Mockery may be a coping mechanism.
![“Some men would take happiness where they found it. Especially when they have absolutely no promise of it anywhere else. [Rydstrom]” quote by Kresley Cole](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/8e7/kresley-cole-334_happiness_some-men-would-take-happiness-where-they_2702709.jpg)
