“The robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief.”
- 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 robbed that smiles, steals something from the thief.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Othello suggests that when someone who has been wronged or harmed responds with grace or composure, rather than anger or retaliation, they can regain a sense of power over their situation. The phrase “The robbed that smiles” refers to a victim who, despite being harmed, maintains their dignity or remains calm. “Steals something from the thief” implies that by not reacting with bitterness or rage, the victim takes away some of the thief’s control or victory, denying them the satisfaction of seeing their victim defeated. In essence, the robbed person’s smile or composure becomes a form of resilience, turning the tables on the wrongdoer.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the power of emotional resilience and grace under pressure. When we face adversity or betrayal, responding with calm and dignity can be a way of reclaiming our self-respect and power, rather than letting the wrongdoer’s actions affect our peace of mind. For example, someone who has been wronged in a professional setting might choose not to engage in office politics or seek revenge, instead maintaining a composed and positive attitude, which may weaken the impact of the wrongdoing and even diminish the satisfaction of the one who caused harm.
Ultimately, this quote emphasizes the strength of self-control and grace in the face of injustice. It suggests that when we respond to harm with resilience rather than retaliation, we not only maintain our integrity but also undermine the power of those who seek to bring us down.
