“There’s many a man has more hair than wit.”
- 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
“There’s many a man has more hair than wit.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale humorously suggests that physical appearance—in this case, having abundant hair—can sometimes be mistaken for intelligence or wisdom. “More hair than wit” means that a person may have an impressive amount of hair, but this does not necessarily correlate to having intellect, wisdom, or good judgment. The quote pokes fun at the idea that external attributes like looks or appearances can be misleading, and that true value lies not in superficial traits, but in qualities like intelligence and character.
In modern contexts, this quote serves as a playful reminder that appearance should not be equated with substance. It reflects how people often make snap judgments based on someone’s outward characteristics—such as their physical appearance, clothing, or style—without considering their inner qualities or intellectual abilities. It also suggests that wisdom or wit cannot be determined by superficial traits like hair or looks.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the superficiality of appearances and the importance of valuing people for their inner qualities and intellect rather than external features. It encourages us to look beyond the surface and not to judge others solely on their looks or outward characteristics.