O, my Antonio, I do know of these, that therefore only are reputed wise, for saying nothing

O, my Antonio, I do know of these, that therefore only are reputed wise, for saying nothing

In William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," the character Portia speaks these words to her beloved Antonio. The quote reflects Portia's belief that true wisdom lies not in speaking eloquently or saying a lot of words, but in knowing when to remain silent.

Portia's words suggest that those who are considered wise are often only seen as such because they choose their words carefully and do not speak unnecessarily. In a world where people are quick to voice their opinions and thoughts, Portia's perspective is a refreshing reminder that sometimes silence can be more powerful than words.

The character of Antonio, to whom Portia is speaking, is known for his quiet and introspective nature. He is a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes. Throughout the play, Antonio demonstrates his wisdom through his loyalty to his friends, his willingness to sacrifice for those he loves, and his ability to remain calm and composed in the face of adversity.

Portia's words to Antonio also highlight the theme of appearance versus reality in the play. Just because someone appears wise or knowledgeable on the surface does not necessarily mean that they truly possess those qualities. True wisdom, according to Portia, is not about how much you say, but about the depth of understanding and insight that you possess.