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About this quote

What does it mean?
Folly has limits but shamelessness has no boundaries.
In plain terms
Foolish people stop eventually but shameless people do not.
What can you take from it?
Watch out for people who lack shame more than those who are foolish.

Where it applies

  • dealing with critics
  • observing bad behavior
  • ethics

Putting it to work

  • set boundaries
  • recognize boldness

Questions to consider

  • Have you met someone shameless?
  • Is folly worse than rudeness?

Another view

Sometimes shamelessness is strategic rather than just foolish.

More from Ben Jonson

  1. A cripple in the way out-travels a footman or a post out of the way.

    Permalink to quote #46
  2. It is an art to have so much judgment as to apparel a lie well, to give it a good dressing.

    Permalink to quote #48
  3. It is as great a spite to be praised in the wrong place, and by a wrong person, as can be done to a noble nature.

    Permalink to quote #45

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