How to live wisely like Shakespeare

Okay, I don’t actually know how wisely Shakespeare lived – there are tales of infedelity and copyright infringement (even though “copyright” wasn’t invented when he wrote the plays), but I am enjoying these “how to __________ like Shakespeare” themes too much, and I am not gonna stop now. So we will look at his words rather than his example here.

I don’t really have a lot to add to these, so I’ll just do a “modern day translation” of sorts and otherwise just let you enjoy the brilliance that is Shakespeare.

Oh, but if you want some with more commentary check out the rest of my posts in this series: How to Write Insults like Shakespeare, How to Write dirty like Shakespeare, How to Write jokes like Shakespeare.

[Go] Wisely and slowly. They stumble that run fast. 
Romeo and Juliet, Act II Scene III

Take it easy, rushing will not get you there faster, only with more mistakes.

Give every man thy ear but few thy voice. 
Hamlet, Act I scene II

You don’t have to answer everything you hear. Sometimes it is better to not throw pearls to the swine.

Love all, trust few, do wrong to none. 
All's well that ends well, Act I scene I

Have a big heart, but do not carry it on your sleeve, and take care not to break someone else’s heart.

Brevity is the soul of wit.
Hamlet, Act II scene II

Translation: the writer of this blog is not a wise person.

Self love is not so vile a sin as self neglecting. 
Henry V, Act I scene III

Don’t let anyone tell you that it is selfish to take of yourself.

We know what we are, but not what we may be. 
Hamlet, Act IV scene V

Living includes changing, and you can never predict what might come or how you might take it. Don’t be so set in your own patterns that you cannot adapt when need be.

Virtue itself of vice must pardon beg. 
Hamlet, Act III scene IV

Don’t spend your life apologizing for everything.

With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come. 
The merchant of Venice, Act I scene I

Age is not a shame if it comes from a life well lived.

To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou cans't not then be false to any man. 
Hamlet. Act I scene II

Just stay true to your heart, it might not know how to speak in words, but what it has to say is important. Listen to your own heart and conscience and you won’t be deceiving others.

And thus the native hue of resolution is sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought. 
Hamlet, Act III scene I

Don’t overthink things, thinking can rob you of the ability to take action.

Words are easy, like wind, faithful friends are hard to find. 
The Passionate Pilgrim, XXI

Acts count more than words, if someone’s actions contradict their words listen to their acts first and foremost.

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