“As flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods; they kill us for their sport.”
- 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
“As flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods; they kill us for their sport.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s King Lear expresses the tragic sense of vulnerability and helplessness that the speaker feels in relation to the divine or fate. “As flies to wanton boys, are we to the gods” compares human beings to flies, powerless creatures that are at the mercy of boys who might kill them simply for amusement. The phrase “they kill us for their sport” suggests that the gods, or fate, treat human lives with indifference, using them as a form of entertainment or as a game, with no consideration for the suffering or consequences. The quote reflects the feeling that, in the grand scheme of the universe, human beings are insignificant and subject to the whims of forces beyond their control, which can seem arbitrary and cruel.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the existential crisis and the sense of powerlessness that many people experience when faced with the overwhelming and often unpredictable nature of life. It conveys the idea that human suffering or misfortune can feel meaningless or random, particularly when it seems that larger forces—whether fate, nature, or even higher powers—have no empathy or concern for individual lives. It resonates with the uncertainty of life and the lack of control that many people feel when faced with random or cruel events that seem beyond their understanding or influence.
Ultimately, this quote reflects the fragility of human life and the existential struggle with the seeming indifference of the universe. It challenges us to confront the unpredictability of fate and the suffering that comes from being at the mercy of forces larger than ourselves. The quote invites reflection on the human condition, asking us to consider how we respond to the chaos of life and how we make meaning despite feeling powerless in the face of greater forces.
