Shakespeare on Ethical Finance of War
on Saturday, October 11, 2014William Shakespeare (Brutus to Cassius in Julius Ceasar, Act 4, Scene 3) Money Quote: Brutus opposed to funding war unethically would rather die and spend his blood. William Shakespeare said:
“For I can raise no money by vile means. By heaven, I had rather coin my heart, And drop my blood for drachmas” — William Shakespeare
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In this quote, William Shakespeare is expressing a strong preference through one of his characters. The character says they would rather “coin my heart” and shed their own blood to raise money, than resort to “vile means” or unethical/illegal activities to obtain funds.
The interpretation is that the character possesses a high degree of integrity and principle, stating they could not bring themselves to use dishonorable or corrupt practices to make money. Rather than compromise their morality, the character implies they would undergo physical hardship and injury.
The overall message seems to be of the importance Shakespeare places on upholding one’s principles even in the face of financial difficulties or need.