Shakespeare: Clothes Proclaim Man

William Shakespeare Money Quote saying buy the best clothes you can afford and make them tasteful, you will be judged by them. William Shakespeare said:
 

 

“Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy: For the apparel oft proclaims the man” — William Shakespeare

In this quote, William Shakespeare seems to be commenting on the relationship between one’s appearance or manner of dress and perceptions of their character. By advising to dress in a way that is “costly” as one’s finances allow but “not express’d in fancy; rich, not gaudy”, Shakespeare implies that ostentatious displays of wealth through clothing risk being seen as gaudy or vain rather than tasteful.

His additional statement that “the apparel oft proclaims the man” conveys Shakespeare’s perspective that how one presents themselves, for better or worse, shapes how they are judged by others. Overall, the quote portrays Shakespeare’s view that dress should suit one’s station authentically rather than exaggerate it, as one’s attire inevitably influences how their personality and qualities are interpreted by outside observers.

Shakespeare: Large Cost Lease

Shakespeare Money Quote saying the cost of a home is tough to bear when the home is falling into disrepair. Shakespeare said:
 

 

“Why so large a cost, having so short a lease, does thou upon your fading mansion spend?” — Shakespeare

In this quote, Shakespeare seems to be questioning the logic of spending exorbitantly on temporary living spaces or material possessions that will not last. By asking “Why so large a cost, having so short a lease, does thou upon your fading mansion spend?”, Shakespeare implies that lavishing money on homes, furnishings or other items that will deteriorate or be replaced serves little purpose given their impermanence.

The quote conveys Shakespeare’s perspective that extravagant spending on possessions one will outgrow or that will degrade lacks foresight, as the items are fleeting despite their expense.

Overall, Shakespeare appears to be advocating moderation in expenditures that yield only brief enjoyment given time’s effects on what is purchased, as value derives more from enduring experiences than transient luxuries.

Shakespeare: Pride & Fortunes Fell

Meaning of Shakespeare Money Quote: elevated pride will be deflated when overinflated bank accounts are burst. Shakespeare said:
 

 

“My pride fell with my fortunes” — Shakespeare

In this quote, William Shakespeare is expressing how one’s pride or sense of self can become diminished along with a decline in financial standing or “fortunes”.

The interpretation is that the character’s pride and wealth were intertwined, so when their fortunes or wealth fell, their pride followed suit.

Shakespeare seems to be conveying that pride and status in society can be closely tied to material conditions and economic circumstances for some.

The underlying message is that loss of wealth and social standing has the power to correspondingly damage pride and one’s sense of self-worth.

Birthday: c. 23 April 1564 – Death: April 23, 1616

Shakespeare on Counterfeiting Coins

Shakespeare Money Quotation saying in King Lear that Governments mint coins at will, while citizens would face steep penalties for that act. Shakespeare said:
 

 

“No, they can’t accuse me of counterfeiting coins. I’m the king himself” — William Shakespeare

In this quote, William Shakespeare is having one of his characters, who is a king, make a statement about accusations of counterfeiting coins.

The interpretation is that as the king, he is essentially above the law and any criminal charges. As the monarch and ruler, he is the highest legal authority, so cannot be prosecuted for any financial crimes like producing fake currency.

The underlying message seems to be that absolute power and position can place one beyond normal legal accountability for their actions. The king is implying that as the head of state, no one has jurisdiction to bring charges against him for counterfeiting, since he embodies the law itself as king.

Birthday April 23, 1564 – Died April 23, 1616

Shakespeare on Borrowing to Pay Debt

William Shakespeare Money Quotation saying in this Henry IV (pt 2) line from Falstaff emphasizing the futility of endlessly borrowing to resolve debt. Falstaff said:
 

 

“I can get no remedy against this consumption of the purse: borrowing only lingers and lingers it out, but the disease is incurable” — William Shakespeare

In this quote, William Shakespeare is using the metaphor of a “consumption of the purse” or spending disease to refer to being in debt or facing financial difficulties. His interpretation is that borrowing money only serves to temporarily prolong the problem but does not cure the underlying fiscal issues.

The message seems to be that taking on more debt through loans is not a real solution and will only draw out the affliction, as the fundamental cause of insufficient funds or excessive spending remains uncured.

Shakespeare suggests that true remedy is needed against the consumption or depletion of one’s purse/finances, rather than superficially delaying the problem through additional borrowing that does not get at the root cause.

Birthday April 23, 1564 – Died April 23, 1616

#TalkLikeShakespeareDay April 22

Shakespeare on Pricing Bad Guys

William Shakespeare Money Quotation saying bad actors can demand any wage from their rich counterparts in crime when they are needed enough. William Shakespeare said:
 

 

When rich villains have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what price they will
— William Shakespeare

In this quote, William Shakespeare seems to be commenting on the imbalance of power between the wealthy and poor. His interpretation is that when rich people (who may be “villains” exploiting the system) are in need of the services of poor people, it creates an opportunity for the poor to set their price or terms of engagement.

The message appears to be that desperation or necessity can sometimes allow the less powerful to demand better compensation or treatment from those above their station who require their assistance or labor.

So the quote conveys that economic leverage exists for the poor over the rich in certain circumstances where the wealthy find themselves dependent on the poor to fulfill their needs.

Birthday April 23, 1564 – Died April 23, 1616

#TalkLikeShakespeareDay April 22

Shakespeare on Beggary of Poor in Spirit

William Shakespeare in This King John quote emphasizes our discontent at both wealth and poverty, while focusing on finances at either end of the money spectrum. William Shakespeare said:
 

 

“Well, whiles I am a beggar, I will rail, And say there is no sin but to be rich; And being rich, my virtue then shall be To say there is no vice but beggary” — William Shakespeare

In this quote, William Shakespeare is putting words into the mouth of a character who is a beggar. The beggar states that while they are poor, they will complain about the unfairness of the system and say that the only sin is to be wealthy. But if they were to become rich, their new “virtue” or view would be that the only vice is poverty.

The best interpretation is that Shakespeare is highlighting the hypocrisy of how views can change depending on one’s own economic circumstances. Whether poor or rich, the character implies they will rail against the status that is opposite to their own.

The underlying message seems to be that judgments about wealth and poverty can be self-serving and lack objectivity, dependent on whether one stands to gain or lose from the system being criticized.

Birthday April 23, 1564 – Died April 23, 1616

Shakespeare on Contentment as Wealth

William Shakespeare Money Quotation saying Being satisfied and happy means being wealthy, regardless of how much the purse or pocket holds. William Shakespeare said:
 

 

“Poor and content is rich, and rich enough” — William Shakespeare

In this quote, William Shakespeare is suggesting that being poor yet content with one’s situation is a kind of richness in itself. The interpretation is that true wealth is not defined solely by monetary terms, but also by an internal sense of satisfaction and acceptance of one’s circumstances.

Shakespeare seems to be conveying that feeling rich enough internally can compensate for a lack of financial riches, if one finds contentment even in poverty.

The underlying message of the quote is that happiness and fulfillment do not necessarily depend on accumulating wealth, but rather on being content with one’s present condition in life regardless of economic status.

Birthday April 23, 1564 – Died April 23, 1616