“Things won are done, joy’s soul lies in the doing.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
- Wrote many masterpieces such as “Hamlet,” “Romeo and Juliet,” and “Macbeth,” and had a great influence on English literature
Quote
“Things won are done, joy’s soul lies in the doing.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice suggests that the true essence of joy is not in achieving or acquiring something, but in the process of striving and doing. “Things won are done” implies that once a goal or prize is achieved, it becomes a completed task, and the excitement or satisfaction of the accomplishment quickly fades. However, “joy’s soul lies in the doing” emphasizes that the real fulfillment and lasting happiness come from the journey itself—the effort, challenge, and engagement in the pursuit, rather than the outcome.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the idea of finding joy in the journey rather than focusing solely on the end result. For example, in personal development, career pursuits, or creative endeavors, the process of learning, growing, and overcoming obstacles often brings more satisfaction than simply reaching the end goal. People often find that their sense of achievement is richer when they have invested time, effort, and passion into what they are doing.
This quote encourages a mindset that values the present moment and the experiences gained along the way, rather than just the end result. It reminds us that the fulfillment of life is often found in the effort we put into our passions and pursuits, and that joy is not just about obtaining things, but about the meaning and growth we experience during the process.
