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
I find my zenith doth depend upon A most auspicious star, whose influence If now I court not, but omit, my fortunes Will ever after droop.
Interpretation
Success relies on recognizing and seizing the right opportunities.
In this quote from Shakespeare, the speaker reflects on the idea that their highest achievements ('zenith') are contingent upon favorable circumstances or influences ('auspicious star'). If these opportunities are neglected or overlooked, it is likely that their fortunes will decline over time. The message underscores the importance of being aware of and acting upon the moments that can lead to success.
In practice
This quote can be used during a motivational speech to emphasize the importance of seizing opportunities.
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).
Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
Type of the wise who soar but never roam, True to the kindred points of heaven and home.
One acts decisively only in the conviction that all the angels are on one side and all the devils on the other.
If somebody takes the time, a: to read a book that I have written, and then to b: care about it enough to write me and ask questions, surely I owe them a response.
Well done is better than well said.
They say geniuses mostly have great mothers. They mostly have sad fates.
This is how to avoid re-creating painful situations: Take the time to discover your real intention before you act. If it is to change someone or the world so that you will feel safe or better about yourself, don't act on it, because it is an intention of fear and can create only painful consequences.
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