Shakespeare's Wisdom: Timeless English Quotes for Inspiration

"To thine own self be true." - Polonius, Hamlet

In this profound quote from Hamlet, Shakespeare emphasizes the importance of authenticity and honesty towards oneself. This wisdom is as relevant today as it was centuries ago. It suggests that one should not pretend to be something they are not or try to conform to societal expectations if it goes against their personal values and beliefs. Being true to oneself allows for a sense of inner peace and contentment, which can lead to a more fulfilling life.

"Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none." - Coriolanus

This quote encourages us to embrace love without limits but also cautions us about trusting others too easily. It reminds us that while we should extend our love and kindness towards everyone, we must also exercise caution in choosing who we trust with our deepest secrets and vulnerabilities. This balance between love and discernment is crucial in maintaining healthy relationships.

"How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world." - Portia, The Merchant of Venice

This quote highlights the impact even small acts of kindness can have on those around us and the world at large. Just like how a single candle can illuminate its surroundings despite being relatively small compared to other light sources, so too does an individual's good deeds shine through amidst the darkness of negativity or despair.

"There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so." - Hamlet (Act 2 Scene 2)

This famous soliloquy from Hamlet underscores the power of perception over reality itself. Our thoughts shape our experiences; therefore, by controlling what we think about any given situation or person will determine whether it seems positive or negative.

"Nothing will come of nothing," said King Lear,

And thus I tell you whilome:

If knights ever honest kept their vowes,

I'll keep mine honour clean;

But thou dost breathe upon my face,

And turnest me thy eyes:

It may seem strange at first glance why King Lear would say such words when he himself had just broken his oath by banishing his youngest daughter Cordelia after she refused him flattery instead of affectionate praise he desired from her sisters Goneril & Regan when asking them if they could show some respect & appreciation for him during their visits home after years away fighting wars abroad defending England’s borders & interests under his command; yet there exists deeper meaning behind these lines than simply stating one cannot achieve anything starting with nothingness—-as though suggesting every thing starts off with having something already present before beginning—-

so let me explain this further now:

King Lear did indeed start out having much wealth & power within society both among nobles themselves along with common folk alike—–but then he went ahead making decisions based purely on appearances rather than truthfulness—and ultimately lost everything due solely unto himself because nobody else seemed trustworthy enough anymore since everybody wanted more—-

and here lies where real problem occurs—the moment people begin prioritizing appearance over substance once again things fall apart into chaos—-for instance look back at history where powerful leaders were toppled down only because they were seen doing what appeared right outwardly but internally remained corrupt leading citizens feeling betrayed hence causing unrest amongst populace till eventually overthrowing rulership altogether——so don't confuse appearances with realities always remember this lesson learnt throughout human history especially whenever trying figure out whether someone genuinely cares about your well-being truly seeking friendship rather than merely pretending friendliness just make sure you know difference between genuine actions vs superficial gestures keeping mind open always ready learn new lessons each day continue growing grow stronger