Candle Quote by William Shakespeare
“To-morrow, and to-morrow, and to-morrow, Creeps in this petty pace from day to day, To the last syllable of recorded time; And all our yesterdays have lighted fools The way to dusty death. Out, out, brief candle! Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player, That struts and frets his hour upon the stage, And then is heard no more. It is a tale Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, Signifying nothing.”
About This Quote
Source Play: Macbeth, Act 5, Scene 5, 1606
Life is fleeting and meaningless, like a brief candle that quickly burns out.
In simple terms: Life is short and empty.
Key Takeaway
Recognize life's impermanence.
Themes
mortality
nihilism
fate
Mood
somber
philosophical
Type
literary
dramatic
When to use this quote
- theatrical monologue
- literary analysis
- philosophical discussion
Key Concepts
existential dread
temporal decay
Questions to Reflect On
- What gives your life purpose?
- Can fleeting moments hold value?
A Different Perspective
Some find meaning in love, duty, or legacy despite futility.
