“Praised us as we are tasted, allow us as we prove.”
- 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
“Praised us as we are tasted, allow us as we prove.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night suggests that approval or praise should be based on direct experience rather than assumptions or expectations. “Praised us as we are tasted” implies that people should be evaluated or appreciated based on their actual qualities and actions, much like tasting food to assess its flavor. Similarly, “allow us as we prove” suggests that acceptance or permission should come only after we have been tested or shown our true abilities or intentions. It speaks to the idea that people should not be judged solely by first impressions or preconceived notions but by their actual behavior and performance.
In modern contexts, this quote encourages us to withhold judgment until we have had a chance to experience or evaluate something more thoroughly. For example, when evaluating a person’s character or abilities, we should avoid making judgments based on appearances or rumors. Instead, we should allow them to demonstrate their worth or qualities over time. Similarly, this can apply to new experiences, projects, or ideas, where we should give them a chance to develop and prove themselves before drawing conclusions.
Ultimately, this quote reminds us to give people, situations, and ideas the benefit of the doubt and to value genuine experience over superficial judgments. It calls for a more thoughtful and patient approach, allowing for the time needed to assess the true nature of things or people.
