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What, all so soon asleep! I wish mine eyes Would, with themselves, shut up my thoughts.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote expresses a desire for the mind to find peace and rest, suggesting a struggle with overwhelming thoughts.

In this quote from William Shakespeare, the speaker reflects on the overwhelming nature of their thoughts and the longing for respite. The imagery of wanting their eyes to shut down their thoughts indicates a yearning for tranquility in a restless mind, as if sleep could offer a temporary escape from life’s burdens and the chaos of one’s emotions and ideas. It highlights the human experience of grappling with mental turmoil and the universal desire for peace.

Themes

ThoughtsSleepPeaceRestMind

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be shared during a mindfulness workshop to emphasize the importance of mental peace.

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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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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