“They say miracles are past.”
- 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
“They say miracles are past.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night reflects a sense of skepticism or disbelief about the possibility of extraordinary or supernatural events. “They say miracles are past” suggests that the speaker believes that the age of miracles—those inexplicable, divine, or miraculous occurrences—has ended. The use of “they say” implies that this is a commonly accepted belief in the speaker’s society, that such occurrences are no longer seen or expected to happen in the present time. It reflects a shift from a time of faith and wonder to a more rational or disillusioned perspective, where miraculous events are dismissed or considered to be things of the past.
In modern contexts, this quote can resonate with the decline of belief in the miraculous in contemporary society, particularly in an era dominated by science, reason, and technological advancements. It reflects how people, particularly in a secular society, might view extraordinary events with doubt or disbelief, as miracles are often thought of as relics of the past or ancient stories. For example, in a world focused on scientific explanation, people may struggle to accept unexplainable or extraordinary events as miracles.
However, this quote also invites a reflection on the nature of miracles and wonder in our lives today. While people may claim that “miracles are past,” the idea that something miraculous is happening may simply be a matter of perspective. The quote suggests that the idea of a miracle is tied not only to faith but also to expectation—if people stop believing in or looking for miraculous events, they may miss the wonder that still exists around them.
Ultimately, this quote reflects on the tension between rational skepticism and the hope for the miraculous. It highlights the human tendency to dismiss what cannot be easily explained, but also opens up the possibility that miracles, in some form, may still be possible if we are open to them.
