“Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself.”
- 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
“Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot that it do singe yourself.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew advises against letting anger or revenge cloud one’s judgment when dealing with an enemy. “Heat not a furnace for your foe so hot” suggests that you should not fuel your hostility or desire for retribution to such an extreme degree that it ultimately harms you. The phrase “do singe yourself” implies that by acting out of excessive anger or vengeance, you may inadvertently cause damage or hurt to yourself, even if your initial target was the enemy. It’s a warning against overreacting or becoming so consumed with hatred or retaliation that it backfires.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the dangers of reacting impulsively to conflict or opposition. It warns that in trying to hurt others, we may end up hurting ourselves more in the process—whether through emotional harm, loss of reputation, or even practical consequences. For example, seeking revenge in a professional setting might cause more harm to one’s career than the original wrong. It suggests that a more measured, rational response is often the best course of action.
Ultimately, this quote underscores the importance of self-control and wisdom in the face of adversity. It encourages us to consider the long-term consequences of our actions, especially when driven by anger or the desire for retaliation, and to avoid letting hostility backfire on us.
