Famous William Shakespeare Quotes

William Shakespeare, the quintessential playwright of the English language, was born in 1564 in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. His prolific body of work, including tragedies, comedies, and histories, has transcended time and culture, cementing his status as one of the greatest writers in world literature. Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets have been celebrated for their profound exploration of human nature, emotion, and social commentary.

Shakespeare’s most significant contribution is the transformation of the English language. He enriched it with eloquent prose, inventive vocabulary, and deep psychological complexity within his characters. His works have shaped the way we speak and write, and they continue to be a cornerstone of literary study and theatrical performance worldwide.

The quote, “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them,” from his play “Twelfth Night,” is a powerful reflection on the nature of greatness. It is important because it suggests that greatness is not solely reserved for a predestined few but can be a product of circumstance, endeavor, or inherent nobility.

In our current society, this quote encourages individuals to embrace their potential for greatness, regardless of their origins. It dispels the myth that greatness is an exclusive domain and instead proposes that it is accessible through personal effort or serendipity. The quote inspires ambition and courage in the face of opportunity and challenges the societal constructs that often define success and achievement.

Shakespeare’s enduring legacy, through his masterful command of language and universal themes, continues to inspire reflection and aspiration. His insight into greatness is a clarion call to recognize and seize the possibilities within and around us, making his wisdom as relevant today as it was in the Elizabethan era.

 

Shakespeare Says: “A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.”

Shakespeare Says:  “A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow.”

Shakespeare Says:  “A smile cures the wounding of a frown.”

Shakespeare Says:  “A woman would run through fire and water for such a kind heart.”

Shakespeare Says:  “Affection is a coal that must be cooled; else, suffered, it will set the heart on fire.”

Shakespeare Says: “Be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”

Shakespeare Says: “Better a witty fool than a foolish wit.” 

Shakespeare Says: “Don’t trust the person who has broken faith once.”

Shakespeare Says: “Don’t waste your love on somebody, who doesn’t value it.

Shakespeare Says: “Give thy thoughts no tongue.”

Shakespeare Says: “Have more than you show, Speak less than you know”

Shakespeare Says: “How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is to have a thankless child!”

Shakespeare Says:  “I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.”

Shakespeare Says:  “I say there is no darkness but ignorance.”

Shakespeare Says: “If we are true to ourselves, we can not be false to anyone.”

Shakespeare Says: “If you love and get hurt, love more. If you love more and hurt more, love even more. If you love even more and get hurt even more, love some more until it hurts no more…”

Shakespeare Says:  “Listen to many, speak to a few”

Shakespeare Says: “Love is the greatest of dreams, yet the worst of nightmares.”

Shakespeare Says: “Love me or hate me, both are in my favor…If you love me, I’ll always be in your heart…If you hate me, I’ll always be in your mind.”

Shakespeare Says: “Love sought is good, but given unsought, is better”

Shakespeare Says: “Men of few words are the best men.”

Shakespeare Says: “Most friendship is feigning, most loving mere folly.”

Shakespeare Says: “Never Play With The Feelings Of Others, Because You May Win The Game But The Risk Is That You Will Surely Lose The Person For Life Time”

Shakespeare Says: “New friends may be poems but old friends are alphabets. Don’t forget the alphabets because you will need them to read the poems.”

Shakespeare Says: “Nothing comes from doing nothing”

Shakespeare Says: “One half of me is yours, the other half is yours, Mine own, I would say; but if mine, then yours, And so all yours.”

Shakespeare Says: “Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.”

Shakespeare Says: “Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” 

Shakespeare Says: “Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say.”

Shakespeare Says: “Strong reasons make strong actions.”