The poet and playwright William Shakespeare (c. 1569-1616) is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language. His plays show a remarkable insight into human nature, and much of our collective beliefs about history are derived from Shakespeare’s interpretation and presentation of events. Familiarity with Shakespeare enriches one’s life and enables one to navigate more skillfully through all kinds of situations.

A fool thinks himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool.

It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.

There is nothing either good or bad but thinking makes it so.

Our doubts are traitors and make us lose the good we oft might win by fearing to attempt.

Go to you bosom: Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know.

What is past is prologue.

Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast.

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.

We know what we are, but not what we may be.

Presume not that I am the thing I was.

Don’t waste your love on somebody, who doesn’t value it.

Expectation is the root of all heartache.

Listen to many, speak to a few.

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world.

Let me be that I am and seek not to alter me.

This above all: to thine own self be true.

There are three people in yourself: Who people think you are, Who you think you are, and who you really are.

You say that you love the rain, but you open your umbrella when it rains. You say that you love the sun, but you find a shadow spot when it shines. You say that you love the wind, but you close the windows when it blows. This is why I’m afraid, you said that you love me too.

Never play with the feelings of others, because you may win the game but the risk is that you will surely lose the person for life time.

Time does not have the same appeal for every one.

For more quotes from this author, visit the William Shakespeare author page for a more extensive listing.