There's not one wise man among twenty will praise himself

There's not one wise man among twenty will praise himself

In the world of William Shakespeare, humility was a virtue that was highly valued. The quote "There's not one wise man among twenty will praise himself" speaks to the idea that true wisdom is often accompanied by modesty and self-awareness. In Shakespeare's plays, characters who boast or praise themselves are often portrayed in a negative light, while those who are humble and self-effacing are seen as more virtuous and admirable.

One of the most famous examples of this theme can be found in the character of King Lear. In the play "King Lear," Lear's downfall is brought about by his own pride and arrogance. He is a king who demands constant praise and flattery from his daughters, and when he doesn't receive it, he becomes enraged and banishes the daughter who speaks honestly. Lear's inability to see beyond his own ego ultimately leads to his tragic downfall.

Similarly, in "Othello," the character of Iago is a master manipulator who uses flattery and deceit to achieve his own ends. Iago is constantly praising himself and boasting of his own cleverness, but his arrogance ultimately leads to his own undoing. In contrast, the character of Desdemona is portrayed as humble and selfless, and her tragic fate is a result of her unwavering loyalty and devotion to others.