"If it be a sin to covet honor, I am the most offending soul"
- William Shakespeare
About this Quote
This quote by William Shakespeare is a reflection on the human condition and our desire for acknowledgment and honor. It recommends that all of us have a natural inclination to look for honor and acknowledgment, and that this is not always a bad thing. However, the quote also implies that this desire for honor can be taken too far, and that it can become a sin if it is pursued too strongly. The speaker is acknowledging that they are guilty of this sin, which they are the most upseting soul in this regard. This quote works as a reminder that while it is natural to seek out acknowledgment and honor, it is important to be mindful of our inspirations and to not let our ambition become a source of guilt.
"If you seek Hamilton's monument, look around. You are living in it. We honor Jefferson, but live in Hamilton's country, a mighty industrial nation with a strong central government"