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We must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Seize opportunities when they arise, or risk missing out on success.

This quote suggests that one should act decisively when the time is right, as opportunities are often fleeting. If we fail to take advantage of favorable circumstances, we may lose the chance to achieve our goals and aspirations, leading to missed ventures and potential regrets.

Themes

OpportunityDecisivenessActionSuccessRisk

In practice

Example use cases

This quote can be used in a motivational speech to encourage taking action.

More from William Shakespeare

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).
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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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