Angel Quote by William Shakespeare
“Merciful heaven, Thou rather with thy sharp and sulphurous bolt Splits the unwedgeable and gnarled oak Than the soft myrtle; but man, proud man, Dressed in a little brief authority, Most ignorant of what he's most assured His glassy essence--like an angry ape Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven As makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens, would all themselves laugh mortal.”
About This Quote
Source Play: King Lear, Act 5, Scene 3, 1605
Human pride and fleeting power are mocked by nature’s indifferent force, exposing our fragile self‑importance.
In simple terms: Pride is fragile; nature shows us our limits.
Key Takeaway
Recognize humility before overconfidence.
Themes
pride
power
nature
humility
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
philosophical
dramatic
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- personal ego
- environmental disaster
- social hierarchy
Key Concepts
existentialism
hubris
natural order
Questions to Reflect On
- How does acknowledging our limits change behavior?
- What role does humility play in leadership?
A Different Perspective
Human agency is limited; nature can be indifferent.
