Meaning: This quote is from William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth," and is spoken by King Duncan in Act 1, Scene 4. The full quote is: "There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face: He was a gentleman on whom I built an absolute trust." In this quote, King Duncan is reflecting on how difficult it is to determine someone's true intentions and character simply by looking at their outward appearance. He had trusted the previous Thane of Cawdor, who had betrayed him, and now he is expressing his skepticism about judging a person's character based on their appearance.

Shakespeare's quote highlights the theme of appearance versus reality, a theme that is prevalent throughout the play "Macbeth." The characters in the play often struggle with the discrepancy between how things seem and how they truly are. This theme is crucial to the plot, as characters are deceived by false appearances and struggle to discern the truth.

The quote also reflects a timeless truth that remains relevant in contemporary society. In our world, people often make assumptions about others based on their outward appearance, but as Shakespeare suggests, this is not a reliable indicator of a person's character or intentions. The quote serves as a reminder to look beyond superficial appearances and consider the complexities of an individual's mind and character.

Shakespeare's insightful observation in this quote has resonated with audiences for centuries, as it speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with trust, deception, and the difficulty of truly understanding others. The quote continues to be studied, analyzed, and quoted in various contexts, as its relevance transcends time and cultural boundaries.

In addition to its thematic significance, the quote also showcases Shakespeare's mastery of language and his ability to capture profound truths in a few carefully chosen words. The phrase "There's no art to find the mind's construction in the face" is particularly powerful, as it succinctly conveys the idea that one cannot easily discern a person's inner thoughts and motives from their outward appearance.

Overall, Shakespeare's quote from "Macbeth" serves as a poignant reminder of the limitations of judging others based on their external presentation, and it continues to provoke thought and discussion about the complexities of human nature and the challenges of understanding others.