“I am not bound to please thee with my answer.”
- 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 am not bound to please thee with my answer.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew expresses the speaker’s assertion of personal autonomy and freedom of speech. The phrase “I am not bound” indicates that the speaker is not obligated to respond in a way that satisfies the other person’s expectations. “To please thee with my answer” emphasizes that the speaker does not feel compelled to cater to the other person’s desires or to offer an answer simply to make them happy. It conveys a sense of independence and a refusal to be coerced into providing a response for the sake of politeness or appeasement.
In modern contexts, this quote can be seen as a statement about boundaries and the importance of honesty in communication. It suggests that we are not always required to conform to others’ expectations, especially when it comes to expressing our true thoughts or opinions. For example, in situations where someone asks a personal or intrusive question, this quote could be used to assert that one has the right to remain honest and authentic, even if it may not be what the other person wants to hear.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the importance of personal integrity and autonomy in communication. It encourages the idea that we should feel empowered to speak our minds and make decisions based on our own principles, without feeling pressured to please others at the expense of our own authenticity.