“I like not fair terms and a villain’s mind.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
- Wrote many masterpieces such as “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Macbeth,” and had a great influence on English literature
Quote
“I like not fair terms and a villain’s mind.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice reflects the speaker’s disdain for dishonesty or hypocrisy. “I like not fair terms” implies that the speaker does not appreciate agreements or promises that appear agreeable on the surface but are not backed by sincerity or integrity. The second part, “and a villain’s mind”, suggests that the speaker has no tolerance for individuals who, despite outwardly presenting themselves as fair or honorable, harbor malicious or deceitful intentions. Essentially, the quote expresses the idea that true fairness must be aligned with genuine good intentions, not mere appearances or deceptive charm.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the importance of authenticity and integrity in relationships, both personal and professional. It can resonate with situations where someone might be presenting an outwardly pleasant demeanor or agreement, but their underlying motivations are not honest or trustworthy. For example, in the workplace, a person may outwardly agree to cooperate but secretly work to undermine others, revealing a lack of true fairness and integrity.
This quote serves as a reminder that true fairness is rooted in honesty and good character, and it warns against being misled by appearances or empty promises. It encourages individuals to seek genuine goodness and not be swayed by false appearances that may hide negative intentions.
