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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ben Jonson’s famous praise stating Shakespeare’s appeal endures across ages.
In plain terms
His work is timeless, not limited to his own time.
What can you take from it?
Great art remains relevant beyond its era.

Where it applies

  • criticism
  • appreciation
  • education

Putting it to work

  • seek timeless themes
  • value lasting impact

Questions to consider

  • What makes art timeless?
  • How do we judge lasting value?

Another view

Some works may not endure despite contemporary praise.

More from William Shakespeare

  1. The remarkable thing about Shakespeare is that he is really very good - in spite of all the people who say he is very good.

    Permalink to quote #41
  2. I never quite despair and I read Shakspeare - indeed I shall I think never read any other Book much [...] I am very near Agreeing with Hazlit that Shakspeare i…

    Permalink to quote #43
  3. Nor sequent centuries could hit Orbit and sum of SHAKSPEARE's wit.

    Permalink to quote #40

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