“When we are born we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools.”
- 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
“When we are born we cry that we are come to this great stage of fools.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale reflects the speaker’s cynical view of life and the human condition. The phrase “when we are born we cry” suggests that the very act of birth is a cry of protest or suffering, as the infant enters a world filled with uncertainty and foolishness. The phrase “this great stage of fools” compares life to a theater where all individuals are actors, playing roles in a world that is filled with foolishness or absurdity. It implies that from the moment we enter life, we are confronted with a world of confusion, struggle, and misguided actions. The quote portrays life as a stage where we are all playing parts, often unaware of the absurdity of our existence.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the existential doubts and frustrations that people can feel when they reflect on the meaninglessness or chaos of the world. It suggests that life, from the very beginning, can feel like a comedy of errors or an endless cycle of confusion and irrationality, leading people to question their place in it. The quote could be interpreted as an expression of disillusionment, where the joy of new life is overshadowed by the realization of the struggles and foolishness that define human existence.
Ultimately, this quote reflects a pessimistic view of life, suggesting that from the moment we are born, we are thrust into a world of confusion and foolishness. However, it also serves as a reminder of the fragility and absurdity of human life, encouraging reflection on how we navigate the challenges and choices that define our existence.
