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About this quote

What does it mean?
Even noble motives can lead to ruin when power and loyalty clash.
In plain terms
Good intentions do not prevent tragic outcomes in politics.
What can you take from it?
Consider long-term effects of political actions.

Where it applies

  • political alliances
  • leadership crises
  • revolution

Putting it to work

  • weigh ethical tradeoffs
  • study historical precedents
  • plan for backlash

Questions to consider

  • When is breaking loyalty justified?
  • How do ideals survive power struggles?

Another view

The play dramatizes events rather than offering direct advice.

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

    Permalink to quote #35

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