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Heart Quote by William Shakespeare

“Well, I'll repent, and that suddenly, while I am in some liking; I shall be out of heart shortly, and then I shall have no strength to repent.” quote by William Shakespeare
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“Well, I'll repent, and that suddenly, while I am in some liking; I shall be out of heart shortly, and then I shall have no strength to repent.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Source Play: Hamlet, Act 3 Scene 1, 1603

A character confesses that repentance is fleeting and soon lost when desire fades, highlighting human weakness for sustained moral resolve.

In simple terms: Repentance fades quickly when desire ends.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the fleeting nature of remorse.

Themes

human nature morality weakness

Mood

reflective somber

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • Personal reflection
  • moral decision making
  • self‑assessment

Key Concepts

Temporal desire psychology of regret

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you sustain genuine remorse?
  • What habits help maintain moral resolve?
A Different Perspective

Repentance may be superficial without deep conviction.

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