Meaning: This quote is from William Shakespeare's play "Henry VI, Part 3." The full quote is "And nothing can we call our own but death, and that small model of the barren earth which serves as paste and cover to our bones. For God's sake, let us sit upon the ground and tell sad stories of the death of kings. How some have been deposed, some slain in war, some haunted by the ghosts they have deposed, some poisoned by their wives, some sleeping killed, all murdered. For within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king keeps Death his court, and there the antic sits, scoffing his state and grinning at his pomp, allowing him a breath, a little scene, to monarchize, be feared, and kill with looks, infusing him with self and vain conceit, as if this flesh which walls about our life were brass impregnable, and, humored thus, comes at the last, and with a little pin bores through his castle wall, and farewell, king! Cover your heads, and mock not flesh and blood with solemn reverence. Throw away respect, tradition, form, and ceremonious duty, for you have but mistook me all this while. I live with bread like you, feel want, taste grief, need friends. Subjected thus, how can you say to me I am a king?"

The quote "Having nothing, nothing can he lose" is a profound reflection on the nature of loss and the lack of attachment. In the context of the play, the character who speaks these lines is reflecting on the transient nature of power and possessions. These words encapsulate the idea that if one has nothing, there is nothing to lose, suggesting a sense of freedom and liberation from the fear of losing material possessions or power.

This quote also speaks to the theme of mortality and the transient nature of human existence. By emphasizing the idea of having nothing, the character acknowledges the inevitability of loss and the impermanence of earthly possessions. This philosophical insight serves as a reminder of the ephemeral nature of life and the transient nature of material wealth and power.

Furthermore, this quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of desire and attachment. It suggests that by relinquishing attachments and desires for material possessions, one can attain a sense of freedom from the fear of loss. This concept aligns with various philosophical and spiritual teachings that emphasize the importance of detachment and non-attachment as a means to attain inner peace and contentment.

In a broader context, this quote can also be seen as a reflection on the human condition and the universal experience of loss. Regardless of social status or material wealth, all individuals must confront the inevitability of loss and the transient nature of life. By acknowledging the impermanence of worldly possessions and power, the quote encourages contemplation on the true nature of value and the pursuit of inner fulfillment beyond material wealth.

In conclusion, "Having nothing, nothing can he lose" offers a thought-provoking perspective on the nature of loss, attachment, and the transient nature of human existence. This quote from William Shakespeare's play "Henry VI, Part 3" serves as a timeless reflection on the ephemeral nature of material possessions and the philosophical insights into the human experience of loss and mortality.

I hope this explanation provides a deeper understanding of the quote and its significance within the context of Shakespeare's work.