The Moor is of a free and open nature
That thinks men honest that but seem to be so,
And will as tenderly be led by th’ nose
As asses are.
– William Shakespeare
Othello, Act 1, Scene 3. In his first soliloquy, Iago reveals how he likes to take advantage of people’s good nature to use it against them. He admits that Othello is a trusting person who thinks that those who appear to be honest, like Iago, are indeed so. Iago declares his intention to use Othello’s gullible nature to manipulate him and he contemptuously compares him in a simile to an ass that can be led by the hose. Iago’s hatred of Othello is on full display here.