“‘Tis better to bear the ills we have than fly to others that we know not of.”
- 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
“‘Tis better to bear the ills we have than fly to others that we know not of.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet suggests that it is often wiser to endure the difficulties or misfortunes we are familiar with rather than risk facing unknown troubles by escaping to uncertain circumstances. “‘Tis better to bear the ills we have” implies that even though the current situation may be painful or challenging, we are more likely to find some form of stability or familiarity in it. The phrase “than fly to others that we know not of” warns against running away from our problems without knowing what we might face elsewhere, as it could lead to even greater difficulties or unforeseen dangers. This speaks to the value of accepting and managing the challenges we know rather than seeking potentially more difficult or unknown alternatives.
In modern contexts, this quote reflects the idea of facing adversity with resilience and patience rather than always trying to escape it. For instance, in personal or professional life, people often seek quick fixes or try to avoid difficult situations, only to find that those alternatives bring about even greater problems. The quote encourages us to weigh the risks of running from one situation to another and to find ways to deal with what we already know.
Ultimately, this quote emphasizes the importance of accepting and enduring challenges in life rather than seeking uncertain solutions that may come with their own set of difficulties. It serves as a reminder that facing our problems directly—even when they are uncomfortable—is often the wisest course of action.
