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 is a tide in the affairs of men, Which taken at the flood, leads on to fortune. Omitted, all the voyage of their life is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat. And we must take the current when it serves, or lose our ventures.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Seize opportunities when they arise, or face the consequences of inaction.
This quote emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities in life. Shakespeare likens opportunities to a tide that, when taken at its peak, can lead to success and prosperity, while failing to act when the time is right can result in missed chances and hardship.
Themes
OpportunitySuccessFortuneActionInaction
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used to motivate entrepreneurs who are on the verge of launching a new business.
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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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