“The fashion of the world is to avoid cost, and you encounter it.”
- 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 fashion of the world is to avoid cost, and you encounter it.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice speaks to the idea that in society, people often strive to avoid unnecessary expenses or burdens, but the speaker is facing or embracing them directly. “The fashion of the world is to avoid cost” suggests that it is common or expected for people to try to minimize financial burden, either out of practicality or the desire to conserve resources. However, “you encounter it” implies that the person being addressed is willingly taking on those costs, whether they are financial, emotional, or otherwise, despite the tendency of others to avoid such burdens.
In modern contexts, this quote reflects the idea of prioritizing responsibility or making sacrifices in a world where many people seek to avoid difficulty, inconvenience, or expense. For instance, in business or personal life, people often try to cut costs or avoid difficult decisions that may require greater effort or risk. However, the quote suggests that there are situations where embracing challenge or taking on responsibility, even at a cost, is necessary for growth, success, or fulfillment.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the tension between societal norms that encourage conservatism or caution in avoiding cost, and the individual’s decision to confront those costs as part of a larger goal or moral choice. It suggests that while others may shy away from difficult or expensive decisions, there is value in accepting them when they align with one’s purpose or sense of duty.
