Love thyself last, cherish those hearts that hate thee; corruption wins not more than honesty

Love thyself last, cherish those hearts that hate thee; corruption wins not more than honesty

In the context of William Shakespeare, the quote "Love thyself last, cherish those hearts that hate thee; corruption wins not more than honesty" can be seen as a reflection of the themes of love, betrayal, and morality that are prevalent in many of his works. Shakespeare's plays often explore the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of both selfishness and selflessness.

The idea of loving oneself last and cherishing those who hate you speaks to the importance of humility and forgiveness. In many of Shakespeare's plays, characters who prioritize their own desires and ambitions over the well-being of others often meet tragic ends. For example, in "Macbeth," the title character's unchecked ambition leads to his downfall, while characters like Hamlet and Othello struggle with their own inner demons and the consequences of their actions.

On the other hand, characters who demonstrate honesty and integrity are often rewarded in Shakespeare's plays. In "The Merchant of Venice," Portia's honesty and compassion ultimately lead to the resolution of the play's conflicts. Similarly, in "Much Ado About Nothing," Beatrice and Benedick's honesty and wit bring them together in the end.

The quote also speaks to the idea that corruption and deceit will ultimately be exposed and punished. In many of Shakespeare's plays, characters who engage in treachery and manipulation are eventually brought to justice. For example, in "Othello," Iago's deceitful actions are eventually revealed, leading to his downfall. In "King Lear," the characters who betray their family members suffer the consequences of their actions.

Overall, the quote "Love thyself last, cherish those hearts that hate thee; corruption wins not more than honesty" can be seen as a reflection of the moral lessons that Shakespeare imparts in his works. By prioritizing love, honesty, and integrity, characters in Shakespeare's plays are able to navigate the complexities of human relationships and ultimately find redemption and forgiveness.