Meaning and Essay on “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves.” – William Shakespeare

What is the Meaning of “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves”?

The phrase “it is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves” was first uttered by William Shakespeare and has become one of his most famous quotes. In essence, it means that we are ultimately responsible for our own destinies and that no matter what fate or circumstance may befall us, it is up to us to determine how we will respond. This quote speaks to a larger theme throughout much of Shakespeare’s work – that humans are capable of making their own choices and thus determining their own paths.

Essay on “It is Not In the Stars To Hold Our Destiny But In Ourselves”

This quote from William Shakespeare serves as an important reminder that while life can often throw unexpected roadblocks at us, ultimately we have control over how we react and where we go next. It implies that despite any outside forces which might try to shape or influence our lives, only through self-determination can we truly reach our full potential. This idea can be seen throughout many of Shakespeare’s works such as Romeo & Juliet, King Lear, and Macbeth; all characters who had some measure of control over their destinies despite the obstacles they faced along the way. Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable odds, these characters still managed to make decisions which would eventually lead them down a path towards success or failure depending on their choices. By reminding us that it is within ourselves rather than external factors which determines our ultimate fate, this quote encourages readers to take ownership for their actions if they wish to achieve true greatness.