“ we know what we are, but know not what we may be. ”
William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1623). copy citation
Author | William Shakespeare |
---|---|
Source | Hamlet |
Topic | knowledge self-awareness potential |
Date | 1623 |
Language | English |
Reference | The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Act IV, Scene 5 |
Note | Written between 1599 and 1602 Ophelia line |
Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1524/1524-h/1524-h.htm |
Meaning and analysis
Kwize Master
This sentence is spoken by Ophelia as she is disoriented by Hamlet's attitude and finds herself in a fragile state of mind. She states that if we can understand what we are in the present moment, it is not possible to anticipate the future and know what we will become.
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