"Use every man after his desert, and who should scape whipping?"

When examining the phrase "Use every man after his desert, and who should scape whipping?" from Shakespeare’s *Hamlet*, the words reveal a deep skepticism about the inherent virtue or guilt of humanity. The speaker, Hamlet, is addressing Polonius, suggesting that if we were to treat everyone strictly according to what they deserve, if we were to dispense justice according to people’s true worth or merit, no one would escape punishment. Here, "desert" means "what is deserved" and "scape" means "escape". Hamlet’s pointed question suggests that there are none alive who, if judged purely and without mercy or generosity, would be found flawless enough to avoid some form of chastisement.

This grim appraisal underscores a central theme in both the play and wider literature: the universality of human imperfection. To "use" someone after their desert is to administer justice without pity or forgiveness. The idea is both a warning and a call for empathy. Such a system, Hamlet argues, would result in a world of constant punishment, as every person possesses faults, failures, and moral lapses. Thus, a society predicated solely on deserts, divorced from mercy, would be intolerably harsh and perhaps unlivable.

Underlying the remark is a subtle critique of rigid justice and a plea for compassion. Hamlet, while often cynical, recognizes the necessity for kindness and leniency, virtues without which human community would dissolve into endless judgment and cruelty. Shakespeare frequently explores this tension between justice and mercy across his works, asking whether strict adherence to moral codes truly yields the best outcomes for individuals and societies.

Furthermore, the observation sits within Hamlet’s broader struggle with hypocrisy and pretense. He views those around him, both peers and authority figures, as deeply flawed, yet recognizes his own shortcomings as well. The statement reflects an essential humility: being aware of one’s own imperfections and the hazards of self-righteousness. Thus, mercy becomes not only a virtue but a practical necessity in judging and relating to others.