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
There's a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our lives are influenced by a higher power, even as we make our own choices.
This quote suggests that while we may think we are in complete control of our destiny, there is a divine or unseen force that ultimately guides the outcomes of our lives. It reflects the tension between human agency and the idea of a predetermined path shaped by fate or a higher power, encouraging a sense of humility in our actions and decisions.
Themes
DivinityFateDestinyControlHumilityLife Choices
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech to emphasize the role of fate in their journey.
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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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