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 nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Our perceptions shape our reality; what we think determines how we feel about situations.
This quote by William Shakespeare suggests that the nature of things is not inherent but is defined by our thoughts and interpretations. Essentially, situations are neutral, and it is our mindset that categorizes them as good or bad, highlighting the power of perspective in shaping our experiences and emotions.
Themes
ThinkingPerceptionRealityPhilosophyMindset
In practice
Example use cases
During a discussion on mental health, someone might say this quote to emphasize the importance of positive thinking.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes βLove bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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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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