Doubt Quote by William Shakespeare
““Why, why is this? Think'st thou I'ld make a lie of jealousy, To follow still the changes of the moon With fresh suspicions? No; to be once in doubt Is once to be resolved: exchange me for a goat, When I shall turn the business of my soul To such exsufflicate and blown surmises, Matching thy inference. 'Tis not to make me jealous To say my wife is fair, feeds well, loves company, Is free of speech, sings, plays and dances well; Where virtue is, these are more virtuous: Nor from mine own weak merits will I draw The smallest fear or doubt of her revolt; For she had eyes, and chose me. No, Iago; I'll see before I doubt; when I doubt, prove; And on the proof, there is no more but this,-- Away at once with love or jealousy!””
About This Quote
Source Play: Othello, Act 3 Scene 3, 1604
Iago tries to manipulate Othello’s emotions, urging him to question his wife’s fidelity and to prove his doubts before acting on them.
In simple terms: Manipulate doubt before acting on jealousy.
Key Takeaway
Question doubts before reacting.
Themes
jealousy
trust
manipulation
love
reason
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- workplace conflicts
- friendship disputes
- legal investigations
Key Concepts
psychology
emotional intelligence
rhetoric
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance healthy skepticism with trust?
- What evidence is sufficient before confronting a partner?
A Different Perspective
Overemphasis on proof can erode trust and create paranoia.
![“. . . . [P]ersons who love very much, easily take offense at trifles. No doubt your excessive affection for me makes you a little diffident about mine. But there is no harm done; I hope you will soon be over this slight jealousy and be convinced that nothing can change the genuine affection Our…” quote by Vincent de Paul](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/570/vincent-de-paul-1676_affection_p-ersons-who-love-very-much-easily-take_52639.jpg)
