Worm Quote by William Shakespeare
““Your worm is your only emperor for diet: we fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots: your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service, two dishes, but to one table: that's the end.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tempest, Act 5, Scene 2 (paraphrased)
Human bodies are ruled by the desire for excess, leading to a cycle where we consume and are consumed, creating a paradox of abundance and scarcity.
In simple terms: People are driven by greed, causing a self‑destructive loop.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and curb excess.
Themes
greed
paradox
human nature
consumption
balance
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal finance
- health and
- environmental sustainability
- dietary habits
- resource management
Key Concepts
philosophy
psychology
biology
Questions to Reflect On
- What excess in your life fuels a similar cycle?
- How can you break the loop of overconsumption?
A Different Perspective
Excess can be hard to control and may be socially reinforced.
![“HAMLET [...] we fat all creatures else to fat us, and we fat ourselves for maggots. Your fat king and your lean beggar is but variable service, two dishes, but to one table; that's the end. CLAUDIUS Alas, alas. HAMLET A man may fish with the worm that hath eat of a king, and eat of the fish that…” quote by William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/28d/william-shakespeare-4_beggar_hamlet-we-fat-all-creatures-else-to-fat_188869.jpg)
