Quote by William Shakespeare
This goodly frame, the earth, seems to me a sterile promontory, this most excellent canopy, the air, look you, this brave o'erhanging firmament, this majestical roof fretted with golden fire, why, it appears no other thing to me than a foul and pestilent congregation of vapours. What a piece of work is a man! how noble in reason! how infinite in faculty! in form and moving how express and admirable! in action how like an angel! in apprehension how like a god! the beauty of the world! the paragon of animals! And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?
Summary
In this quote, taken from Shakespeare's play Hamlet, the character Hamlet expresses his cynicism towards the Earth, describing it as a barren and pestilent place. However, he contrasts this view with his admiration for human beings. He marvels at the complexity and intelligence of mankind, describing them as noble, divine-like creatures capable of rational reasoning and exquisite beauty. Despite the grandeur of humans, Hamlet questions their inherent value, referring to them as the "quintessence of dust," suggesting a philosophical contemplation on the fleeting nature of human existence compared to the magnificence of the world.
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