“Life is as tedious as twice-told tale, vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man.”
- 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
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Quote
“Life is as tedious as twice-told tale, vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s As You Like It compares the monotony of life to a repeated story that becomes tiresome and irritating to hear. “Life is as tedious as twice-told tale” suggests that life, when it feels repetitive or unfulfilling, can seem as boring and exhausting as a story that has been told over and over again. The phrase “vexing the dull ear of a drowsy man” implies that just as a person who is tired or inattentive would be irritated by a story they have already heard, a person going through the motions of life might feel frustrated or disconnected from the experiences around them, finding little enjoyment in the repetition of daily routines or the lack of novelty.
In modern contexts, this quote resonates with the feeling of boredom or discontent that can arise when life feels like a routine, especially when one feels trapped in repetitive cycles that seem unrewarding or pointless. For example, individuals in monotonous jobs or unfulfilling relationships may experience life as tedious or exhausting, much like someone hearing the same story repeatedly. The quote also reflects the human need for variety, growth, and meaning to break up the routine and bring a sense of purpose or excitement to life.
Ultimately, this quote speaks to the discontentment that comes from monotony and the human desire to escape repetition. It encourages reflection on how to bring freshness, meaning, and excitement into one’s life, so that it no longer feels like a tired, repeated tale, but something rich and fulfilling.
