Own more than thou showest, speak less than thou knowest

Own more than thou showest, speak less than thou knowest

William Shakespeare, the renowned playwright and poet, is known for his profound insights into human nature and the complexities of life. One of his most famous quotes, "Own more than thou showest, speak less than thou knowest," encapsulates a timeless wisdom that continues to resonate with audiences today.

In this quote, Shakespeare is advising individuals to maintain a sense of humility and discretion in their actions and words. By "owning more than thou showest," Shakespeare is suggesting that one should possess a depth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom that may not always be immediately apparent to others. This could mean having a wealth of knowledge on a particular subject, a range of talents and skills, or a depth of character and integrity that goes beyond surface appearances.

At the same time, Shakespeare cautions against boasting or flaunting one's knowledge or accomplishments. By "speaking less than thou knowest," he is advocating for a sense of restraint and modesty in communication. This could mean refraining from bragging about one's achievements, avoiding unnecessary gossip or idle chatter, or simply choosing one's words carefully to convey meaning without unnecessary embellishment.