Inspirational quotes by William ShakespeareFew names in the history of literature are as iconic as William Shakespeare.
Known as the “Bard of Avon,” he left behind an immeasurable legacy of plays, sonnets, and memorable phrases that resonate to this day.
Want to be inspired by the wisdom of this genius? Check out this selection of phrases that will change the way you look at life.
Inspirational Quotes by William Shakespeare
Below, we have selected 40 of William Shakespeare's best quotes.
Each one is accompanied by references to their works, where possible, so you can delve even deeper into the universe of this master of words.
| Sentence | Work and Context |
|---|---|
| “To be or not to be, that is the question.” | “Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1 |
| “Love is not seen with the eyes, but with the mind.” | “A Midsummer Night's Dream, Act 1, Scene 1 |
| “Gratitude is a heart full of memories.” | Attributed to “Henry VI” |
| “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” | “As You Like It,” Act 2, Scene 7 |
| “Words fly, thoughts remain.” | “Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 2 |
| “Doubts are treacherous and cause us to lose what we could often gain.” | “Measure for Measure, Act 1, Scene 4 |
| “Cowards die many times before their deaths.” | “Julius Caesar, Act 2, Scene 2 |
| “Whoever steals my name steals something worthless.” | “Othello,” Act 3, Scene 3 |
| “There is nothing good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” | “Hamlet, Act 2, Scene 2 |
| “Accepting our human condition is an act of wisdom.” | “King Lear, Act 4, Scene 6 |
| “Life is but a passing shadow.” | “Macbeth,” Act 5, Scene 5 |
| “I would rather be a small ray of light than complete darkness.” | “The Two Gentlemen of Verona,” Act 2, Scene 3 |
| “Love everyone, trust few, and do no harm to anyone.” | “Twelfth Night, Act 1, Scene 1 |
| “Truth is beautiful and shines like the sun.” | “The Merchant of Venice,” Act 5, Scene 1 |
| “Everyone is capable of mastering pain, except those who feel it.” | “Much Ado About Nothing, Act 3, Scene 2 |
| “Love seeks love as a child seeks candy.” | “Romeo and Juliet, Act 2, Scene 6 |
| “Those who lack patience lose everything.” | “Othello,” Act 1, Scene 2 |
| “Nobility is the result of character, not birth.” | “The Tempest, Act 1, Scene 2 |
| “Our destinies are in the stars, not in ourselves.” | “Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2 |
| “Be true to yourself.” | “Hamlet, Act 1, Scene 3 |
| “Nothing is as common as wanting to be remarkable.” | “Henry IV, Part 1 |
| “Men of few words are the best.” | “Henry V,” Act 3, Scene 2 |
| “Time is very slow for those who wait, very fast for those who fear.” | Sonnet 57 |
| “Destiny guides those who accept it and drags those who resist it.” | “The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Act 4, Scene 3 |
| “Men are masters of their silence and slaves to their words.” | “Henry IV, Part 2 |
| “The hope of joy is almost as sweet as joy itself.” | “Venus and Adonis” |
| “Don't be afraid of greatness. Some are born great, others achieve greatness.” | “Twelfth Night, Act 2, Scene 5 |
| “Passion is the fire that warms the soul, but it can also destroy it.” | “Romeo and Juliet, Act 3 |
| “Conscience makes us all cowards.” | “Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1 |
| “True friends are the family we choose.” | “Coriolanus, Act 2 |
| “The good must be patient, and the bad will learn prudence.” | “Well Begun is Half Done,” Act 1 |
| “Prosperity is the only goddess that everyone worships.” | “Timon of Athens,” Act 4 |
| “A mistake is never a mistake if the truth is on your side.” | “All’s Well That Ends Well” |
| “Those who know how to love never grow old.” | Sonnet 116 |
| “Love is blind, and lovers never see each other's faults.” | “The Merchant of Venice,” Act 2 |
| “No night is so long that it does not find the day.” | “Macbeth,” Act 5 |
| “Passion makes the soul bold.” | “Romeo and Juliet, Act 1 |
| “Hidden hurts are the ones that hurt the most.” | “Hamlet,” Act 4 |
| “It's never too late to correct a mistake.” | “The Tempest,” Act 2 |
Conclusion
William Shakespeare's work transcends the ages and continues to teach us about love, courage and the complexity of life.
May these phrases inspire you to reflect and seek greatness in your own journey.
For more inspiring messages like these, visit our blog: Messages that Inspire.
If you want to deepen your knowledge of Shakespeare, check out this article: William Shakespeare.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Who was William Shakespeare?
Shakespeare was an English playwright, poet, and actor, known as the greatest writer in the English language.
What were his most famous works?
“Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, Macbeth, and Othello are some of his masterpieces.
When did Shakespeare live?
He was born in 1564 and died in 1616.
Where was he born?
In Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
How many plays did he write?
Approximately 39 plays, in addition to 154 sonnets and several poems.
What does “To be or not to be” mean?
It reflects on human existence and dilemmas, and is one of the most famous lines from Hamlet.
Did Shakespeare influence other writers?
Yes, its impact is universal, influencing writers throughout the centuries.
Why is it considered important?
His ability to explore human emotions and create complex characters is unmatched.
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