--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I think William Shakespeare was the…" description: "\"I think William Shakespeare was the wisest human being I ever heard of. To be perfectly frank, though, that's not saying much.\" — Kurt Vonnegut" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/86b/kurt-vonnegut-41_frank_i-think-william-shakespeare-was-the-wise_115215.jpg" --- # I think William Shakespeare was the wisest human being I… ![“I think William Shakespeare was the wisest human being I ever heard of. To be perfectly frank, though, that's not saying much.” quote by Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/86b/kurt-vonnegut-41_frank_i-think-william-shakespeare-was-the-wise_115215.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/86b/kurt-vonnegut-41_frank_i-think-william-shakespeare-was-the-wise_115215.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/86b/kurt-vonnegut-41_frank_i-think-william-shakespeare-was-the-wise_115215.jpg) > “I think William Shakespeare was the wisest human being I ever heard of. To be perfectly frank, though, that's not saying much.” [Kurt Vonnegut](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kurt-vonnegut/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Vonnegut humorously claims Shakespeare’s wisdom is unsurpassed, yet immediately undercuts the praise, highlighting the paradox of idolizing historical figures. **In simple terms:** Shakespeare praised, then downplayed. Key Takeaway Even great minds are subject to doubt. Themes literature humor paradox Mood wry playful Type satirical literary When to use this quote - literary criticism - academic debate Key Concepts irony Practical Applications - critical essays - satirical writing Questions to Reflect On - Why does he qualify his admiration? - What does this say about cultural icons? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Human beings](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/human-beings/) [Humans](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humans/) [Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/shakespeare/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/) ## Related quotes > [“I think Willim Shakespeare was the wisest human being I ever heard of. To be perfectly frank though, that's not saying much. 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