What does this quote mean?

“Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.”

The distinction between price and value criticizes a way of thinking that can measure cost while missing significance.

Source note: The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1890 Lippincott magazine text, Chapter 3; Lord Henry gives the price-and-value epigram after describing a bargain for old brocade.

“All that glisters is not gold.”

Appearance can imitate value without possessing it, so the line encourages evidence and discernment before admiration or trust.

Source note: Act 2, Scene 7; the inscription warns against judging by outward appearance.

“No legacy is so rich as honesty.”

The line values trustworthy character above possessions or reputation inherited after death.

Source note: All’s Well That Ends Well, Act 3, Scene 5; the line occurs in dialogue that values honest character above material inheritance.

“This above all: to thine own self be true.”

Polonius frames integrity as consistency between inward conviction and outward conduct, although the advice belongs to a fallible fictional counselor.

Source note: Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3; Polonius gives Laertes this advice before Laertes leaves for France.

“To define is to limit.”

Definitions clarify ideas but can also narrow them, especially when a label is treated as the complete reality of a person or experience.

Source note: The Picture of Dorian Gray, 1891 edition, Chapter 17; Lord Henry answers the Duchess of Monmouth’s question “What are you?” with “To define is to limit.”

“Above all, don’t lie to yourself.”

Self-deception is presented as especially damaging because it corrupts the person’s ability to recognize truth both inwardly and around them.

Source note: The Brothers Karamazov, Book II, Father Zossima’s counsel; Constance Garnett translation.