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.

Dancing Days are Gone

Posted on February 13, 2012 by jimmie

“For you and I are past our dancing days” (Romeo and Juliet.1.5) Tip for Use. When you wish to refuse an invitation to wild entertainment, e.g. ‘I am past my dancing days’. In “Your Daily Shakespeare” see also ‘Error, e. admitted and due to youthful inexperience – Those were my salad days when I was Read More

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We are the Stuff of Dreams

Posted on February 13, 2012 by jimmie

“…We are such stuff As dreams are made on, and our little life Is rounded with a sleep.” (TEM.4.1) Tip for Use. Express a feeling of unreality and of the fleetingness of life. In the play.  Prospero utters a philosophical consideration for Miranda and Ferdinand’s benefit. Prospero is getting ready to fire the spirits and Read More

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There is More to it than Hits the Eye

Posted on February 10, 2012 by jimmie

“There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.” (Hamlet 1.5) Tips for Use. Evasive answer to questions of the type, ‘Why this?’ or ‘Why did you do this?’ when you do not want to give a reason. Change ‘Horatio’ to name of party you are talking to. Read More

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The Web of Life

Posted on February 8, 2012 by jimmie

“The web of our life is of a mingled yarn, good and ill go together: our virtues would be proud, if our
faults whipped them not, and our crimes would despair, if they were not cherished by our virtues” (AWEW.3.3) Tip for use. Add a philosophical explanation to the alternation of pleasant and unpleasant events in Read More

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A Rose for Christmas?

Posted on January 11, 2012 by jimmie

At Christmas I no more desire a rose, Than wish a snow in May’s new fangled mirth, But like of each thing as in season grows.” (LLL.1.1) How to Use. The best quotes capture simple truths in a unique way that makes them memorable. This is especially true of William Shakespeare’s quotes on life. Use Read More

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