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There's an old saying that applies to me: you can't lose a game if you don't play the game. (Act 1, scene 4)
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote suggests that avoiding participation guarantees no failure, highlighting the risks of inaction.

In this quote, Shakespeare reflects on the idea that not engaging in challenges means one cannot experience failure. By not playing the game, a person is safeguarded from loss, but also from any potential gains or experiences that come from taking risks. It emphasizes that inaction may seem safer but can lead to missed opportunities.

Themes

ActionRiskFailureOpportunityInaction

In practice

Example use cases

During a motivational speech about embracing challenges.

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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