“He that is giddy thinks the world turns round.”
- April 26, 1564 – April 23, 1616
- Born in England
- Playwright, poet, actor
table of contents
Quote
“He that is giddy thinks the world turns round.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew uses the metaphor of giddiness to describe someone who is confused or disoriented by a situation and mistakenly believes that the world itself is the cause of their discomfort. “He that is giddy” refers to someone who feels lightheaded or overwhelmed, often due to emotional turmoil or excessive excitement. The phrase “thinks the world turns round” suggests that the person, in their state of confusion, believes the entire world is responsible for their disorientation, when in reality, the problem lies with their own state of mind or perception.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the subjective nature of perception and how people sometimes blame external circumstances for their difficulties, when the root cause may be within themselves. It highlights how individuals may misinterpret their situation, attributing their emotional or mental state to factors beyond their control, rather than recognizing that their own feelings or reactions might be skewing their understanding of the world. For example, someone experiencing stress or anxiety may feel as if everything around them is chaotic, when in fact, the turbulence is more of an internal experience.
Ultimately, this quote reflects the distorted lens through which we sometimes view the world when we are not in a calm or grounded state. It encourages self-awareness and the importance of recognizing when our own emotions or perceptions are influencing how we see the world, and that clarity and balance often come from within.
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