“‘Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall.”
- 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
“‘Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure distinguishes between the temptation to do something wrong and the act of giving in to that temptation. “‘Tis one thing to be tempted” acknowledges that everyone faces temptations or desires that may lead them toward wrongdoing or moral challenges. However, “another thing to fall” emphasizes that succumbing to temptation—giving in to those urges or desires—is a separate action, and a conscious decision. The quote suggests that while it is human to feel temptation, it is within one’s control whether or not to act on it.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the idea that struggles with temptation are a natural part of the human experience, but moral integrity is defined by how we choose to respond to those temptations. For example, someone may feel the urge to lie, cheat, or take shortcuts, but it is the decision to act on that urge that leads to moral failure. The quote encourages self-awareness and self-control, acknowledging that while temptation is universal, falling into it is a choice.
Ultimately, this quote reminds us that moral strength comes not from avoiding temptation, but from having the strength to resist it. It teaches that temptation is inevitable, but failure occurs when we allow ourselves to give in, rather than choosing a more ethical path.
