Action Quote by William Shakespeare
“This goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory, this most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours. What a piece of work is a man! how noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? William Shakespeare, Hamlet”
About This Quote
Source Play: Hamlet, Act 2 Scene 2, 1603
The speaker reflects on humanity's greatness and its frailty, seeing man as both noble and ultimately dust.
In simple terms: Man is noble yet mortal.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both greatness and humility.
Themes
human nature
philosophy
existence
pride
humility
Mood
contemplative
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- theary reflection
- personal introspection
- academic discussion
Key Concepts
Renaissance literature
humanism
existentialism
Questions to Reflect On
- What does it mean to be noble yet fleeting?
- How do we balance pride with humility?
A Different Perspective
Progress in scientific understanding challenges the view of humans as dust.
