“What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god.”
- 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
“What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculties, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god.”
Explanation
This quote from Shakespeare’s Hamlet marvels at the complexity and greatness of humanity, praising the many qualities that define human nature. “What a piece of work is a man” is an exclamation of wonder at the beauty and potential of human beings. The speaker describes humans as noble in reason, meaning that humans are capable of rational thought and moral judgment. They are infinite in faculties, suggesting the limitless intellectual and creative capacities of the human mind. The reference to “form and moving how express and admirable” points to the elegance and grace of the human body and its ability to express itself through motion. When the speaker says humans are “in action how like an angel”, it reflects the idea that humans are capable of great deeds that can be pure, noble, and almost divine. Finally, “in apprehension how like a god” suggests that humans have an ability to understand and perceive the world in a way that is close to divine, almost like gods themselves in terms of intellectual and emotional depth.
In modern contexts, this quote serves as a celebration of human potential. It reminds us that humanity possesses remarkable intellectual, physical, and emotional capabilities—we can create, reason, act with compassion, and understand complex concepts. In a world that often focuses on the flaws and imperfections of individuals or society, this quote emphasizes the noble and admirable aspects of human nature, celebrating the incredible abilities humans have when they live up to their potential.
Ultimately, this quote highlights the power and beauty of humanity. It encourages reflection on how humans, though often imperfect, are capable of achieving greatness through their intellect, creativity, actions, and spiritual understanding. It serves as a reminder to honor and cultivate the best qualities of humanity, while recognizing the infinite potential within each individual.
