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I have ventured, Like little wanton boys that swim on…

“I have ventured, Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders, This many summers in a sea of glory, But far beyond my depth. My high-blown pride At length broke under me, and now has left me, Weary and old with service, to the mercy Of a rude stream that must for ever hide me.” quote by William Shakespeare
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“I have ventured, Like little wanton boys that swim on bladders, This many summers in a sea of glory, But far beyond my depth. My high-blown pride At length broke under me, and now has left me, Weary and old with service, to the mercy Of a rude stream that must for ever hide me.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Pride leads to downfall; humility is forced by hardship and external forces.

In simple terms: Pride can cause ruin; humility follows adversity.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate humility before pride overtakes.

Themes

pride humility fall

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical inspirational

When to use this quote

  • career setbacks
  • personal failures
  • learning moments

Key Concepts

literature human nature hubris

Questions to Reflect On

  • When have you learned humility through loss?
  • How can you balance confidence and modesty?
A Different Perspective

Humility may be resisted despite evidence.

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