--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: What piece of work is a man, how noble in…" description: "\"“What piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving, how express and admirable in action, how like an ange..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d9/william-shakespeare-4_beauty-of-the-world_what-piece-of-work-is-a-man-how-noble-in_486698.jpg" --- # What piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how… ![“What piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, 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?” quote by William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d9/william-shakespeare-4_beauty-of-the-world_what-piece-of-work-is-a-man-how-noble-in_486698.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d9/william-shakespeare-4_beauty-of-the-world_what-piece-of-work-is-a-man-how-noble-in_486698.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2d9/william-shakespeare-4_beauty-of-the-world_what-piece-of-work-is-a-man-how-noble-in_486698.jpg) > ““What piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, 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](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Human nature is a blend of noble intellect and humble origins, prompting awe and existential questioning. **In simple terms:** Man is both noble and flawed. Key Takeaway Contemplate humanity’s duality. Themes existence philosophy humility wonder Mood contemplative poetic Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - literature study - philosophical debate - personal introspection Key Concepts dual nature self‑reflection Questions to Reflect On - What aspects of humanity inspire you? - How do you reconcile greatness with mortality? A Different Perspective Focusing solely on grandeur may ignore practical realities. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Beauty of the world](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/beauty-of-the-world/) [Humankind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/humankind/) [Man](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/man/) ## Related quotes > [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…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/this-goodly-frame-the-earth-seems-to-me-a-sterile-promontory-this/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [“I will tell you why; so shall my anticipation Prevent your discovery, and your secrecy to the king And queen moult no feather. 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Nature is art perfected.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nature-is-art-fall-season-art-informs/in-the-fall-nature-informs-of-its-artistic-side-it-continues-to/) Nature is art Fall season Art informs > [The beauty of the world has two edges, one of laughter, one of anguish, cutting the heart asunder.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/virginia-woolf/the-beauty-of-the-world-has-two-edges-one-of-laughter-one-of-anguish-2/) [Virginia Woolf](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/virginia-woolf/) > [I began making pictures because I wanted to record what supports hope: the untranslatable mystery and beauty of the world. Along the way, however,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/robert-adams/i-began-making-pictures-because-i-wanted-to-record-what-supports-hope/) [Robert Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/robert-adams/) > [“I will tell you why; so shall my anticipation Prevent your discovery, and your secrecy to the king And queen moult no feather. 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