--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Assume a virtue, if you have it not. That…" description: "\"Assume a virtue, if you have it not. That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat; Of habits devil, is angel yet in this.\" — William Shakespeare" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b5/william-shakespeare-4_angel_assume-a-virtue-if-you-have-it-not-that_712587.jpg" --- # Assume a virtue, if you have it not. That monster, custom… ![“Assume a virtue, if you have it not. That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat; Of habits devil, is angel yet in this.” quote by William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b5/william-shakespeare-4_angel_assume-a-virtue-if-you-have-it-not-that_712587.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b5/william-shakespeare-4_angel_assume-a-virtue-if-you-have-it-not-that_712587.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b5/william-shakespeare-4_angel_assume-a-virtue-if-you-have-it-not-that_712587.jpg) > “Assume a virtue, if you have it not. That monster, custom, who all sense doth eat; Of habits devil, is angel yet in this.” [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Adopt virtues even if they’re not innate; customs can corrupt, yet habits may hide both good and evil. **In simple terms:** Cultivate virtues despite lacking them; beware of harmful customs. Key Takeaway Practice virtues, question harmful habits. Themes virtue custom habit morality Mood thoughtful critical Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - daily decision making - social pressure - personal development Key Concepts ethical philosophy human nature self‑improvement Questions to Reflect On - What habits mask true character? - Can customs be both harmful and beneficial? A Different Perspective Virtues require effort, not just intention. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Angel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/angel/) [Assumption](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/assumption/) [Customs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/customs/) [Devil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/devil/) [Easiness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/easiness/) [Habit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habit/) [Habits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/habits/) [Hamlet love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hamlet-love/) [Monster](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monster/) [Monsters](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/monsters/) [Virtue](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/virtue/) ## Related quotes > [Assume a virtue, if you have it not. 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