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About this quote

What does it mean?
A king’s pursuit of power and personal desire can destabilize a realm.
In plain terms
Personal ambition in leaders often harms the nation.
What can you take from it?
Leaders must balance personal wants with public duty.

Where it applies

  • political leadership
  • royal decisions
  • statecraft

Putting it to work

  • evaluate leader motives
  • assess policy impact
  • review accountability

Questions to consider

  • What costs come with absolute power?
  • How do personal choices affect institutions?

Another view

The work reflects historical debate more than a single moral lesson.

More from William Shakespeare

  1. Time's glory is to command contending kings, To unmask falsehood, and bring truth to light.

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  2. On a day-alack the day!- Love, whose month is ever May, Spied a blossom passing fair Playing in the wanton air

    Permalink to quote #34

  3. Crabbed age and youth cannot live together: Youth is full of pleasure, age is full of care

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