“The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.”
- 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
“The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar reflects the lasting impact of negative actions versus the often forgotten nature of positive deeds. “The evil that men do lives after them” suggests that the harm or wrongdoing a person commits can have long-lasting effects, continuing to affect others even after their death. In contrast, “the good is oft interred with their bones” implies that the good deeds or virtues of a person are often forgotten or overlooked after their death, as they are buried with the body and lost to time. The quote suggests that negative actions are more likely to be remembered or highlighted, while the positive contributions are often overlooked or fade into obscurity.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the tendency in society to focus more on scandals, controversies, or negative behaviors of individuals, while the positive aspects of a person’s life or legacy may not receive the same attention. For example, in the case of public figures, the mistakes or misdeeds they make often remain in the public eye long after their death, while their good works or contributions can be forgotten. This idea can also apply to personal relationships, where acts of kindness or virtue may go unnoticed, while mistakes or conflicts are remembered.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the impermanence of good deeds and the lasting nature of wrongdoing in human memory. It serves as a reflection on how we often value or remember the negative aspects of a person’s life, while the positive is easily overlooked or forgotten, leading us to consider how we might better appreciate and preserve the good in others.
