--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Give every man thy ear, but few thy…" description: "\"“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice; Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment. But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy; For the app..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6c3/william-shakespeare-4_advice_give-every-man-thy-ear-but-few-thy-voice_2963491.jpg" --- # Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice; Take each man's… ![“Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice; Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment. But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man, And they in France of the best rank and station Are of a most select and generous chief in that.” quote by William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6c3/william-shakespeare-4_advice_give-every-man-thy-ear-but-few-thy-voice_2963491.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6c3/william-shakespeare-4_advice_give-every-man-thy-ear-but-few-thy-voice_2963491.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/6c3/william-shakespeare-4_advice_give-every-man-thy-ear-but-few-thy-voice_2963491.jpg) > ““Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice; Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment. But not express'd in fancy; rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man, And they in France of the best rank and station Are of a most select and generous chief in that.”” [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. Listen more than you speak, accept criticism, but keep your own judgment; dress modestly yet richly, as appearance reflects character. **In simple terms:** Listen, accept critique, judge wisely, dress modestly yet rich. Key Takeaway Prioritize listening and thoughtful judgment. Themes communication humility appearance Mood thoughtful analytical Type philosophical advice When to use this quote - professional interactions - personal relationships - public speaking Key Concepts self-awareness social perception Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance listening and speaking? - When does appearance truly reflect character? A Different Perspective May be too idealistic in cultures valuing outspoken confidence. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Advice](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/advice/) [Every man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/every-man/) [Generous Chief](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/generous-chief-4525818/) [Man France](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/man-france-4525819/) [Proclaims Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/proclaims-man-983760/) [Reserve Thy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reserve-thy-2216683/) [Thy Judgment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thy-judgment-1174923/) ## Related quotes > [Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice; Take each man's censure, but reserve thy judgment.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/give-every-man-thine-ear-but-few-thy-voice-take-each-man-s-censure/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [The apparel oft proclaims the man.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/the-apparel-oft-proclaims-the-man/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [There are a lot of good men's magazines. 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