He reads much;He is a great observer and he looksQuite through the deeds of men: he loves no plays,As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music;Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sortAs if he mock'd himself and scorn'd his spiritThat could be moved to smile at any thing.Such men as he be never at heart's easeWhiles they behold a greater than themselves,And therefore are they very dangerous.
In this passage from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," the speaker describes a man who is introspective and observant, suggesting that he possesses a deep understanding of human nature. Unlike others, he does not find joy in music or theater and rarely smiles, hinting at a serious demeanor that appears dismissive or mocking. This suggests that he is burdened by his awareness and perception of the world around him.
The observation that such individuals are "very dangerous" arises from the notion that they are never content unless they are superior to others. Their discomfort in the presence of those who excel beyond their own capabilities makes them volatile and potentially harmful to others, echoing a theme that those who are deeply aware of their limitations can pose significant threats to the stability of those around them.
