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To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death.

In this passage from Shakespeare's Macbeth, the speaker contemplates the relentless passage of time and the futility of life. It illustrates how each day blends into the next, ultimately leading to death, suggesting that life can feel insignificant, much like a poor performance on stage that is soon forgotten. The imagery of a 'brief candle' symbolizes the transitory nature of existence, emphasizing that despite all the noise and chaos of life, it ultimately may signify nothing of great importance.

Themes

TimeLifeDeathFutilityExistence

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used during a reflection on the nature of life at a philosophical discussion.

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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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