“Go to you bosom: Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know.”
- 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
“Go to you bosom: Knock there, and ask your heart what it doth know.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure encourages self-reflection and introspection. “Go to your bosom” suggests looking inward, to the very center of one’s being, symbolized by the chest or heart. “Knock there” implies an active attempt to confront or engage with one’s emotions or true feelings, much like knocking on a door to get an answer. “Ask your heart what it doth know” invites the individual to seek answers within themselves, to understand their true emotions, desires, or conscience rather than relying on external advice or judgment.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the importance of trusting one’s inner wisdom or intuition when making decisions, especially in situations where the right course of action may not be immediately clear. It encourages taking the time for self-examination and honesty in order to understand one’s motivations and feelings, rather than seeking validation from others. For example, when faced with a difficult moral dilemma, we are often encouraged to look within ourselves to find what is truly the right or authentic path, rather than following the expectations of society, friends, or peers.
Ultimately, this quote emphasizes the power of self-awareness and the value of listening to our inner voices. It suggests that the answers we seek about our actions or decisions are often already present within us, waiting to be acknowledged and understood.
