When learning's triumph o'er her barb'rous foes First reared the stage, immortal Shakespeare rose; Each change of many-colored life he drew, Exhausted worlds, and then imagined new: Existence saw him spurn her bounded reign, And panting Time toiled after him in vain.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Shakespeare captured the full variety of human life and transcended time itself.
- In plain terms
- Shakespeare understood life better than anyone.
- What can you take from it?
- Great art transcends its own era.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes art last?
- Who defined your era?
Another view
Not every work needs to be timeless.
More from Samuel Johnson
Cold approbation gave the ling'ring bays, For those who durst not censure, scarce could praise.
Permalink to quote #31 He who makes a beast of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man.
Permalink to quote #29 Declamation roared, while Passion slept.
Permalink to quote #32
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