Quote of the day by William Shakespeare: 'Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them'

William Shakespeare’s quote from Twelfth Night emphasizes three paths to greatness: “Some Are Born Great, Some Achieve Greatness, And Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them” which means some are born into privilege, others get it through hard work, ...

Quote of the day by William Shakespeare: 'Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them'


William Shakespeare, one of history’s most renowned playwrights, spotted timeless insights about human ambition and opportunity. The quote “Some Are Born Great, Some Achieve Greatness, And Some Have Greatness Thrust Upon Them” arrives from his play Twelfth Night (Act 2, Scene 5). Spoken in a humorous and ironic theme, it shows how individuals can discover themselves in roles of prominence in various ways by birth, effort, or situation.



What Does The Quote Truly Signify?

This quote highlights that greatness is not a uniform thing or fixed attribute; it can be inherited,achieved, or bestowed. Those “born great” are often benefitted from birth, advantage from family, wealth, or social position. Those who “achieve greatness” get it through capability, hard work, and perseverance, illustrating that dedication can result in influence regardless of origin. Finally, some people have greatness “thrust upon them” by chance or situations, unexpected opportunities, crises, or events that need them to step into leadership or prominence. Shakespeare reminds us that each path is valid and that fortune can have a role along with talent and effort.


Why Is This Quote Relevant Today?

The importance of this quote endures as it addresses success and human capability, universal themes that apply to any time. It urges reflection on how we achieve goals and how situations shape our lives. In the contemporary world, individuals often compare themselves to others, thinking that achievement follows a single path. Shakespeare’s insight reminds us that greatness can arise in several ways and that being open to opportunity, persistence, and personal development are all equally valuable.


ADVERTISEMENT

How To Apply It In Life

  1. Identify your strengths and pursue development; hard work can result in earned greatness.
  2. Get ready for opportunities. Sometimes life presents unexpected struggles that can become your way to influence.
  3. Respect various journeys not everyone receives greatness the same way, and comparing paths can be unhelpful.
  4. Stay humble, knowing the role of luck and situations keeps achievement in perspective.


Other Notable Quotes By William Shakespeare

  • “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” (As You Like It)
  • “Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.” (Julius Caesar)
  • “The better part of Valour, is Discretion.” (Henry IV, Part 1)
  • “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” (All’s Well That Ends Well)



FAQs:

Q1. What does the quote mean?
It states that people can earn greatness by birth, effort, or chance. Success has several pathways and is influenced by both skill and circumstance.

Q2. Where is this quote from?
It is from Shakespeare’s play Twelfth Night (Act 2, Scene 5). The line was originally spoken in a witty and ironic context.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App
for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App
for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
READ MORE
ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE:

LOGIN & CLAIM

50 TIMESPOINTS

More from our Partners

Loading next story
Business News › News › International › US News › Quote of the day by William Shakespeare: 'Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them'
Text Size:AAA
Success
This article has been saved

*

+