All human things — Worth

"Nihil vulgare te dignum videri potest."

"When I was a child of seven years old, my friends, on a holiday, filled my pocket with coppers. I went directly to a shop where they sold toys for children; and, being charmed with the sound of a whistle, that I met by the way in the hands of another boy, I voluntarily offered and gave all my money for one. I then came home, and went whistling all over the house, much pleased with my whistle, but disturbing all the family. My brothers, and sisters, and cousins, understanding the bargain I had made, told me I had given four times as much for it as it was worth; put me in mind what good things I might have bought with the rest of the money; and laughed at me so much for my folly, that I cried with vexation; and the reflection gave me more chagrin than the whistle gave me pleasure. This however was afterwards of use to me, the impression continuing on my mind; so that often, when I was tempted to buy some unnecessary thing, I said to myself, Dont give too much for the whistle; and I saved my money."

"I have been worth the whistle. O Goneril. You are not worth the dust which the rude wind Blows in your face."

"Let there be some more test made of my metal, Before so noble and so great a figure Be stamped upon it."

"O, how thy worth with manners may I sing, When thou art all the better part of me? What can mine own praise to mine own self bring? And what ist but mine own when I praise thee?"

"Men are like steel — when they lose their temper, they lose their worth."