“Let every eye negotiate for itself and trust no agent.”
- 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
“Let every eye negotiate for itself and trust no agent.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice speaks to the importance of personal involvement and self-reliance when it comes to making decisions or judgments. “Let every eye negotiate for itself” suggests that each individual should take personal responsibility for observing, understanding, and making decisions based on their own perceptions, rather than relying on others to act on their behalf. The phrase “trust no agent” implies that one should be wary of placing too much trust in intermediaries or others who might have their own agendas, as they may not always act in the best interest of the person they represent.
In modern contexts, this quote encourages self-empowerment and critical thinking, particularly in situations where we might be tempted to delegate responsibility or trust others to make decisions for us. It speaks to the idea that personal judgment is crucial and that we should avoid being overly dependent on others, especially when it comes to matters of importance, such as finances, relationships, or career choices. In a world full of advisors, agents, and mediators, this quote reminds us that we should always remain actively engaged in our own decision-making process and question the motives of those acting on our behalf.
Ultimately, this quote underscores the value of independence and personal accountability. It encourages us to trust our own judgment, gather information firsthand, and make decisions based on our own observations and reasoning, rather than relying solely on others to guide us. It also serves as a reminder that not everyone may have our best interests at heart, so we must be vigilant in assessing the actions of those around us.
