“Come, gentlemen, I hope we shall drink down all unkindness.”
- 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
“Come, gentlemen, I hope we shall drink down all unkindness.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice expresses the speaker’s desire to resolve conflicts and restore harmony through shared social interaction, specifically by drinking together. The phrase “drink down all unkindness” uses the act of drinking as a metaphor for overcoming hostility or resentment. The speaker hopes that by coming together and engaging in a social or celebratory act, they can dissolve any ill feelings or misunderstandings that may exist, symbolically “drinking away” the discord and replacing it with peace and goodwill.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a call to resolve differences in a more lighthearted or reconciliatory manner, where people are encouraged to set aside grievances in favor of unity or common ground. For example, in situations where there has been tension or miscommunication, the quote could suggest that coming together in a shared activity, such as a meal or a conversation, may help to mend relationships and foster mutual understanding.
Ultimately, this quote emphasizes the power of reconciliation and the idea that sometimes, addressing conflicts or misunderstandings can be done through shared, positive experiences, rather than through continued strife or opposition. It encourages individuals to let go of hostility and work toward building harmony and peace in their relationships.
