“I were better to be eaten to death with a rust than to be scoured to nothing with perpetual motion.”
- 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
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Quote
“I were better to be eaten to death with a rust than to be scoured to nothing with perpetual motion.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Timon of Athens reflects the speaker’s preference for slow, inevitable decay over endless, exhausting effort. The metaphor of being “eaten to death with a rust” suggests a gradual, natural decline, which is a passive process, where something wears away slowly over time. “Scoured to nothing with perpetual motion” contrasts this by describing a process of constant, unrelenting activity that ultimately leads to exhaustion and depletion. The speaker is expressing that it would be better to succumb to slow deterioration than to face the weariness and drain of constant action or pressure.
In modern contexts, this quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the toll that stress, overwork, and constant busyness can take on a person. It reflects the idea that endless activity, especially when it lacks rest or purpose, can feel like a futile and depleting cycle that erodes one’s energy and well-being. For example, someone caught in a cycle of workaholism, with little time for rest or personal reflection, might feel they are being “scoured to nothing,” gradually losing their sense of self or vitality. On the other hand, a more quiet, passive decline—such as natural aging or simple disinterest—might seem more bearable than this exhausting, never-ending pursuit of goals.
This quote ultimately speaks to the importance of balance and the dangers of overexertion. It suggests that, while change and movement are inevitable, we should be cautious of over-committing ourselves to tasks or goals that lead to burnout and fatigue, rather than enjoying a more natural pace or approach to life. It encourages reflection on the need for rest and renewal, rather than a relentless pursuit of activity without end.
