In commemoration of Shakespeare's birthday, I felt a strong urge and desire to put this up. As a lover of literature, drama, and the arts in general, I have grown up with a passion for Shakespeare plays. It has been ever present in my heart and in my soul to praise and acknowledge great work. While I read an article in Entrepreneur, I didn't realize how many of our everyday teachings from our family members and from school came about by this great poet and writer! While he was not the originator, he developed a different idea as to how we view them, and how we can interpret them. Here are six of them so that you can be awed and intrigued, as well! Enjoy!
1. Show, don't tell/ actions speak louder than words...
"Talking isn't doing. It is a kind of good deed to say well; and yet words are not deeds." -- Henry VIII
While we have seen this many times and often in scripture and in previous stories, Shakespeare incorporated this theory into his literature, as well, throughout his characters and throughout the themes of his story.
2. To be or not to be...
"To be or not to be--that is the question: Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer. The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune. Or to take arms against a sea of troubles. And by opposing end them." -- Hamlet
This was a powerful statement that Hamlet said in the play, where he was swayed by all of these troubles and afflictions that he was going through. He ended up saying this statement, whether it was better "to be" (in other words, to continue to fight and to resist these afflictions) or "not to be" (to surrender to exist anymore and to die).
3. We don't know everything.
“The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool.” – As You Like It
This is a verse of humility, and it reminds of the book of Proverbs in the Holy Bible, which is filled with wisdom and instructions on how to be a steward of advise. In other words, a wise person is really someone who doesn't know it all, and someone who doesn't think that they already know everything.
4. Live everyday as if it's your last on earth. Tomorrow is never promised.
"Let life be short; else shame will be too long." -- Henry V
If we focus on living everyday to its fullest and not worried about tomorrow, we will be much happier. Many people worry about tomorrow. As a matter of fact, even Jesus said to not worry about tomorrow or what it may bring (Matthew 6:34). He said that in this world we will face trials and tribulations, but to be of good cheer, because he overcame the world (John 16:33).
5. Honesty is at the top of the chain to develop a life of respect.
"No legacy is so rich as honesty." -- All's Well That Ends Well
We learn as young people to tell the truth and that it is important to never lie. As we grow up we lose our innocence, and we tend to lie in order to protect the truth or to avoid humiliation. Even in the Bible, we learn that it is important to be honest; no one likes someone that is a liar. A dishonest person doesn't value themselves; they are a liar and they can be a deceiver, as well. They are a "wolf in sheep's clothing;" they can promise the world but behind our backs, they are the greatest hidden enemies.
6. The power of taking risks in life and going after what we feel our purpose is.
“Be not afraid of greatness: Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.” -- Twelfth Night
A lot of people are afraid of becoming a millionaire, or are afraid of being successful because they are afraid of losing everything (their family, friends, etc.). On the contrary, we should never be afraid of these things, because inside of us there is greatness. We just have to unlock that potential.