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 Quote for Turning Weaknesses into Strengths

Posted on March 28, 2012 by jimmie

“They say best men are moulded out of faults, And, for the most, become much more the better For being a little bad.” (Measure for Measure, act 5, sc.1) Tips for Use. Excellent lines to turn a problem into a feature, as software developers are known to say (and do). Or rather turn a setback Read More

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Shakespeare on Commitment, Purpose and/or Lack of them

Posted on March 27, 2012 by jimmie

“It is the purpose that makes strong the vow; But vows to every purpose must not hold.” (Troilus and Cressida act 5, sc. 3) Tips for Use. There are two applications possible. One (“It is the purpose that makes strong the vow”) is a warning or caution against inconsistency – especially applicable to politicians. As Read More

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Shakespeare and enforced or self-enforced silence

Posted on March 26, 2012 by jimmie

“It is not nor it cannot come to good: But break, my heart; for I must hold my tongue.” (H.1.2) Tips for Use. A concise, elegant, diplomatic and yet forceful way to indicate your displeasure at unraveling of things, “Break my heart, for I must hold my tongue.” Equally good when you wish to show Read More

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Shakespeare, destiny and fate

Posted on March 25, 2012 by jimmie

“…the lottery of my destiny Bars me the right of voluntary choosing.” (Merchant of Venice.2.1) Tips for Use. A statement of philosophical resignation to events or occurrences on which we have no control. Also a usually acceptable formula to somewhat exempt yourself from your actions or responsibilities. Or indicate that the choices you made were Read More

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Shakespeare and the idea of Time

Posted on March 24, 2012 by jimmie

 “….the end crowns all, And that old common arbitrator, Time, Will one day end it.” (Troilus and Cressida act 4 sc.5) Tips for Use.  A more original and elegant alternative to the classical, “ que sera’ sera’ “. When the debate as to what may or may not happen cannot be resolved. Equally, an appropriate Read More

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Shakespeare, Thought as the Arbiter of Good and Bad

Posted on March 23, 2012 by jimmie

 “…for there is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.” (Hamlet act 2, sc. 2) Tips for Use.  When you try to rationalize a difference of opinion on a matter that can be judged one way or another. Short as it is, the line embodies a profound philosophical and practical truth the Read More

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Shakespeare and social (in)justice

Posted on March 22, 2012 by jimmie

“Thieves for their robbery have authority, When judges steal themselves.” (Measure for Measure act 2, sc. 2) Tips for Use.  We can find erudite explanations about the mechanisms enabling society to function. Explanations given by historians, sociologists, psychologists, economists, politicians, philosophers and even poets as in this case. But the mystery remains. Petty crimes are Read More

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Shakespeare on Clear Communications & Presentation Ideas

Posted on March 21, 2012 by jimmie

“An honest tale speeds best being plainly told.” (King Richard III act4, sc. 4) Tips for Use.  In times when confusion is a sign of intelligence and ambiguity of genius suggesting otherwise is painfully naïve. Often, however, there is some unexpected value in (at least) the appearance of honesty. This is part of the indispensable Read More

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Equality among men impossible, truth and misinterpretations

Posted on March 19, 2012 by jimmie

… clay and clay differs in dignity, Whose dust is both alike.” (Cymbeline, act 4, sc.1) Tips for Use. Use it as a philosophical argument to support your anti-leftist and anti-socialist views. Less awkwardly the quote can apply to situations, or people, or even things where it is important to emphasize the difference rather than Read More

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Verbal Self Defense, Shakespeare style

Posted on March 18, 2012 by jimmie

“…what man of good temper would endure this tempest of exclamation?” (KHIV.p2 act 2, sc. 1)  Tips for use. Here in the US we are in the midst of the so-called presidential elections. They are ‘so-called’ because of the massive pretense involved.  The equally so-called ‘people’ are invited to vote for one of two candidates Read More

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