Coward Quote by William Shakespeare
“Why, thou knowest I am as valiant as Hercules, but beware instinct. The lion will not touch the true prince. Instinct is a great matter. I was a coward on instinct.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Unidentified work, likely a lost or apocryphal text
He warns that instinct can betray even the bravest, comparing it to a lion that avoids the true prince, suggesting caution against unexamined impulses.
In simple terms: Instinct can mislead the brave; beware impulsive decisions.
Key Takeaway
Question your gut reactions.
Themes
courage
instinct
self‑awareness
leadership
Mood
serious
thoughtful
cautionary
Type
literary
philosophical
advice
When to use this quote
- military command
- personal dilemmas
- political strategy
Key Concepts
human nature
psychology
heroism
Questions to Reflect On
- When should you trust instinct versus reason?
- What are the costs of acting on instinct?
A Different Perspective
Instinct is not always rational and can cause cowardice.
