Now I think on't, they should be good men, their affairs are righteous; but all hoods make not monks

Now I think on't, they should be good men, their affairs are righteous; but all hoods make not monks

The quote "Now I think on't, they should be good men, their affairs are righteous; but all hoods make not monks" is from William Shakespeare's play "Henry VIII." In this line, the character Cranmer reflects on the nature of appearances and how they can be deceiving. He acknowledges that just because someone appears to be good and righteous on the surface, it does not necessarily mean that they are truly virtuous.

This quote is a powerful reminder that we should not judge others solely based on their outward appearance or actions. It serves as a cautionary tale against making assumptions about people without truly knowing their character and intentions. In the context of the play, Cranmer is referring to the clergy and the fact that not all of them are as pious and virtuous as they may seem.

Shakespeare often explores themes of deception and appearance versus reality in his works, and this quote is no exception. It highlights the idea that people can easily deceive others by putting on a facade of righteousness, but true character is revealed through one's actions and intentions.

The phrase "all hoods make not monks" is a metaphor for the idea that just because someone wears the clothing of a monk or appears to be religious, it does not mean that they are truly devoted to their faith. It serves as a warning to not be fooled by appearances and to look deeper into a person's true nature.

Overall, this quote from "Henry VIII" is a powerful reminder to not judge a book by its cover. It encourages us to look beyond appearances and to truly get to know someone before making assumptions about their character. Shakespeare's timeless wisdom continues to resonate with audiences today, reminding us of the complexities of human nature and the importance of looking beyond the surface.