“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
- 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
“Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them.”
Explanation
This famous quote from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night reflects the different paths through which people come into positions of greatness or importance. “Some are born great” suggests that certain individuals are born into positions of privilege, power, or influence, often due to their family or social status. “Some achieve greatness” refers to those who attain greatness through their own efforts, talent, and ambition, rising to prominence or distinction through hard work, innovation, or leadership. The final part, “some have greatness thrust upon them”, acknowledges that there are those who may not seek greatness but find themselves in positions of power or responsibility due to external circumstances, such as unforeseen opportunities or the expectations placed on them by others.
In modern contexts, this quote speaks to the diverse ways in which people rise to prominence in careers, society, or history. Some individuals inherit wealth or titles, some climb the ranks through their own initiative and determination, and others find themselves in leadership roles due to unexpected events or chance. For example, a person may be born into a famous family (born great), another might build a successful business through hard work (achieve greatness), while someone else might unexpectedly rise to the top during a crisis (greatness thrust upon them).
Ultimately, the quote emphasizes that greatness comes in many forms and that everyone’s path to success or recognition is unique. It also suggests that greatness is not necessarily determined by birthright, but can be shaped by action, circumstance, and opportunity. It encourages us to recognize that greatness can be achieved in various ways, and that we may find ourselves in unexpected situations that shape our destiny.
