Category Archives: Philosophical, Psychological & Historical Considerations

Bertrand Russell complained about one of his grandmother’s preferred puns, “What is mind? Doesn’s matter. What is matter? Never mind.” And yet we, as a species, continuously attempt to fathom the mystery of the mind, with the help of philosophy, psychology and history. Shakespeare has given us much food for thought on all three, as well as music for those who love the music of words.

Shakespeare on the Improving Power of Time

“How many things by season season’d are To their right praise, and true perfection.” (Merchant of Venice act 5, sc. 1) Tips for Use.  Two possible applications. One, to justify the delay of a decision. “Give it time, how many things… true perfection”. Or as a compliment to a woman who is afraid of her Read More

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Shakespeare on Love at First Sight

“Who ever loved that loved not at first sight?” (As You Like It, act 3, sc. 5) Tips for Use.  The theme of love at first sight is frequent in Shakespeare’s plays. Maybe because questions such as ‘When did you first like me?’ or ‘When did you begin to love me?’ or similar, are a Read More

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Shakespeare on Plain Language and Clear Communications

“An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.” (King Richard III act 4, sc. 4) Tips for Use.  A good prelude before explaining a seemingly complex question in its own simple and understandable terms. Or before you undertake the task of translating into plain English a proposition expressed in double-speak and other Orwellian terms. The Read More

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Shakespeare on Authority and the Power of Lobbying

“… And though authority be a stubborn bear, yet he is oft led by the nose with gold.” (Winter’s Tale act 4, sc. 3) Tips for Use.  Excellent comment to instances of corruption of anyone in authority. Or a very applicable metaphor for the relentless and inexorable lobbying of sundry politicians in exchange for campaign Read More

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Shakespeare on Power

“Then every thing includes itself in power, Power into will, will into appetite; And appetite, an universal wolf, So doubly seconded with will and power, Must make perforce an universal prey, And last eat up himself.” (Troilus and Cressida, act 1, sc. 3) Tips for Use.  Optimal way to concisely describe the structure of power. Read More

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Shakespeare on Fate or Divinity Shaping our Life

“Our indiscretions sometimes serves us well, When our dear plots do pall; and that should teach us There’s a divinity that shapes our ends, Rough-hew them how we will.” (Hamlet act 5, sc. 2)  Tips for Use.  Sometimes circumstances come to our aid without any intervention (as in this case with Hamlet). Sometimes, notwithstanding all Read More

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Shakespeare, Man as Simple Dust and a Targeted Insult

“And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust? Man delights not me, no, nor woman neither, though by your smiling you seem to say so” (Hamlet act 2, sc. 2) Tips for Use. Hamlet may have been the quintessential pessimist. But the goriness of the recent news reaches such peaks at times as Read More

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Shakespeare on One of Love’s Persistent Questions. Take 2

 “…I love you more than words can wield the matter … A love that makes breath poor and speech unable, Beyond all manner of so much I love you.” (King Lear act 1, sc. 1) Tips for Use.  Yesterday’s blog on “neither rhyme nor reason” proved particularly popular, judging by the number of visits. Today Read More

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Shakespeare on One of Love’s Persistent Questions

ROSALIND.  But are you so much in love as your rhymes speak? ORLANDO. Neither rhyme nor reason can express so much. (As You Like It act 3, sc. 2) Tips for Use. “Neither rhyme nor reason…”, one of the many turns of phrase that have filtered down in every day’s English language. In the instance, Read More

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Shakespeare and the Inevitable Passing of Time

“Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore, So do our minutes hasten to their end; Each changing place with that which goes before, In sequent toil all forwards do contend.” (SON 60) Tips for Use. What may come to mind when you are at the seashore. It helps if the beaches are not Read More

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