“Neither a borrower nor a lender be.”
- 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
“Neither a borrower nor a lender be.”
Explanation
This quote, from Shakespeare’s Hamlet, is part of a series of advice given by Polonius to his son Laertes before he departs for France. “Neither a borrower nor a lender be” emphasizes the potential dangers of financial transactions between friends and family. The advice suggests that one should avoid borrowing or lending money, as it can lead to complications in relationships. Borrowing can lead to a sense of indebtedness or dependency, while lending can result in unfulfilled expectations or strained connections if repayment is not made as expected. In essence, avoiding financial entanglements is seen as a way to maintain peace and preserve personal integrity in relationships.
In modern society, this advice still holds relevance. Financial transactions, especially those involving close friends or family, often come with the risk of strained relationships. For example, when friends lend money to one another, there is always the possibility of discomfort or tension if the loan is not repaid or if there is a disagreement over terms. The idea behind the quote is to avoid monetary entanglements that can turn personal relationships into business transactions, which may create emotional stress or conflict.
At its core, the quote encourages a sense of independence and self-reliance, advocating for maintaining financial boundaries in personal relationships. While it’s not always practical to avoid lending or borrowing entirely, the quote serves as a cautionary reminder to consider the impact of money on personal connections and to approach such situations with caution and clarity.
