Meaning: The quote "A little too wise, they say, do ne'er live long" is a line from the play "The Revenger's Tragedy" written by Thomas Middleton, an English playwright and poet who lived during the Renaissance period. The play is a dark and complex tragedy, often categorized as a Jacobean revenge drama, and is known for its exploration of themes such as moral corruption, vengeance, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.

In the context of the quote, the character Vindice speaks these words as he contemplates the nature of wisdom and its relationship to longevity. The quote suggests that individuals who possess an excessive amount of wisdom or knowledge are not destined to live long lives. This sentiment reflects a common belief during the Renaissance era that excessive knowledge or wisdom could lead to a premature death, possibly due to the mental and emotional burdens that come with deep understanding and awareness of the world.

This idea of wisdom being potentially detrimental to one's lifespan can be interpreted in various ways. On one level, it may reflect a cautionary attitude towards intellectual pursuits and the pursuit of knowledge. The notion that excessive wisdom can lead to an early demise may serve as a warning against becoming too absorbed in the complexities of life, as it can potentially lead to mental and emotional strain that could have adverse effects on one's health and well-being.

Furthermore, the quote may also be seen as a commentary on the nature of mortality and the inevitability of death. It suggests that even those who possess great wisdom and insight are not exempt from the natural course of life and death. This can be viewed as a reminder of the transient nature of human existence and the limitations of human knowledge in the face of mortality.

Additionally, the quote can be interpreted in a more metaphorical sense, suggesting that those who possess profound wisdom may struggle to find contentment or peace in their lives, leading to a sense of spiritual or emotional exhaustion that can impact their longevity.

In the broader context of "The Revenger's Tragedy," the quote serves as a reflection of the play's overall themes of moral ambiguity and the consequences of human actions. The characters in the play grapple with questions of morality, justice, and the pursuit of revenge, and the quote can be seen as an expression of the characters' existential struggles and the weight of their knowledge and experiences.

Overall, the quote "A little too wise, they say, do ne'er live long" encapsulates the complex and multifaceted nature of wisdom, mortality, and the human experience. It reflects the Renaissance-era fascination with the interconnectedness of knowledge, mortality, and the human condition, and continues to provoke contemplation and interpretation in the context of both the play and broader philosophical discussions about the nature of wisdom and its impact on human life.