William Shakespeare about knowledge (“Hamlet”, 1623) - we know what we are, but know not what we may be.
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“ we know what we are, but know not what we may be. ”
 William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1623). copy citation

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Author
Source
Topic
Date
1623
Language
English
Reference
The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Act IV, Scene 5
Note
Ophelia line Written between 1599 and 1602
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“Lord, we know what we are, but know not what we may be.” William Shakespeare, “Hamlet” - 1623

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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William Shakespeare about knowledge (“Hamlet”, 1623) - we know what we are, but know not what we may be.
William Shakespeare about knowledge (“Hamlet”, 1623) - we know what we are, but know not what we may be.