As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not" (5.3.25-28).
William ShakespeareRead
Where is your ancient courage? You were used to say extremities was the trier of spirits; That common chances common men could bear; That when the sea was calm all boats alike showed mastership in floating.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the importance of courage in facing challenges, suggesting that true character emerges in difficult situations.
In this quote, Shakespeare reflects on the notion that it is during times of adversity that a person's true spirit is revealed. He contrasts the ease of calm times, where everyone appears competent, with the real test of character that occurs in the face of extremity. Essentially, he emphasizes that true courage is demonstrated when one confronts difficulties, reminding us that it is not the lack of trouble that defines us, but how we respond to it.
Themes
CourageAdversityCharacterChallengesStrength
In practice
Example use cases
During a motivational talk on resilience, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of courage in tough times.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes →Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
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Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
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