The devil knew what he did when he made men politic; he crossed himself by it

The devil knew what he did when he made men politic; he crossed himself by it

In William Shakespeare's works, the theme of politics and power often takes center stage. The quote "The devil knew what he did when he made men politic; he crossed himself by it" speaks to the corrupting influence of politics on individuals. Shakespeare's plays are filled with characters who are willing to do whatever it takes to gain and maintain power, often at the expense of their own morals and values.

One of the most famous examples of this theme can be found in Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." The titular character, Macbeth, is a nobleman who becomes consumed by his ambition to become king. In his quest for power, Macbeth is willing to betray his friends, murder his rivals, and even kill innocent women and children. The devilish influence of politics is evident in Macbeth's descent into madness and tyranny.

Another example of the corrupting influence of politics can be seen in Shakespeare's play "Julius Caesar." The character of Brutus is a noble Roman who is convinced by Cassius to join a conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. Despite his initial reluctance, Brutus is swayed by Cassius' arguments about the dangers of Caesar's growing power. In the end, Brutus becomes a pawn in a political game that ultimately leads to his own downfall.

Shakespeare's quote about the devil and politics suggests that the pursuit of power can lead individuals down a dark and dangerous path. The devil, in this context, represents the temptation and corruption that comes with political ambition. By making men politic, the devil has created a system that is inherently flawed and prone to manipulation.

Overall, Shakespeare's works serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of political ambition and the corrupting influence of power. The quote "The devil knew what he did when he made men politic; he crossed himself by it" serves as a reminder that the pursuit of power can have dire consequences for individuals and society as a whole.