"In real life, unlike in Shakespeare, the sweetness of the rose depends upon the name it bears. Things are not only what they are. They are, in very important respects, what they seem to be"

This quote by Hubert H. Humphrey is a reminder that looks can be deceiving. In Shakespeare's works, the rose is a sign of appeal and perfection, no matter its name. Nevertheless, in real life, the understanding of a thing is typically based upon its name. People may evaluate a person, location, or thing based on its name, rather than its real qualities. This quote is a suggestion that we should not be so quick to evaluate something based on its name, as it might not be what it seems. We ought to make the effort to learn more about something prior to forming an opinion. It is very important to remember that things are not just what they are, but likewise what they seem to be.