10 Fascinating Quotes and Curiosities about William Shakespeare

On this day William Shakespeare died, one of the most emblematic figures in universal literature. This event, which coincides with World Book Day, gives us the opportunity to remember his work and its relevance in the history of literature and theatre. Throughout his life, Shakespeare created an immortal legacy, both in the form of plays and phrases that still endure in the collective memory. To commemorate this special date, we bring you an in-depth analysis of the most fascinating curiosities of his life and the phrases that consolidated him as a literary icon. But before we dive into his famous quotes, let's discover notable details of his life that you may not have known.

Fascinating facts about William Shakespeare

• The origin of the name Jessica: Shakespeare was an innovator of language and is credited with inventing the name Jessica, which first appears in his work "The Merchant of Venice."
• An unprecedented vocabulary: It is estimated that Shakespeare introduced more than 1,700 new words into the English language. Words like “arrogance,” “majestic,” and “addiction” (originally used in works such as “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”) remain in common use today.
• A peculiar epitaph: Fearing that his grave would be desecrated, Shakespeare left a curse inscribed warning against disturbing his remains: "Good friend, by Jesus, forbear to dig the dust here enclosed. Blessed be the man that spareth these stones, and cursed be he that removeth my bones." To this day, his tomb at Holy Trinity Church, Stratford-upon-Avon, remains intact.
• His illiterate daughter: Although he stood out for his eloquence and literary genius, His daughter Judith was illiterate., which contrasts with its cultural legacy.
• Literary collaborations and mystery: Some experts believe that Shakespeare may have collaborated with other writers on his works. There is also a persistent debate about whether he actually wrote all the plays attributed to him.
• The influence of «The Globe»: Shakespeare co-owned the iconic Globe Theatre in London, where many of his plays premiered. His influence still resonates on the world's stages today.

10 memorable quotes from William Shakespeare

Shakespeare is known not only for his plays, but also for his phrases loaded with wisdom, which have inspired generations. Here are some of the most famous:

1. «The friends you have and whose friendship you have already tested, hook them to your soul with hooks of steel.»
2. «Some are born great, some achieve greatness, some have greatness thrust upon them, and some find greatness too great.»
3. "The wise man does not sit down and complain, but cheerfully sets about repairing the damage done."
4. "It is better to be king of your silence than slave of your words."
5. "Love, being blind, prevents lovers from seeing the funny nonsense they commit."
6. «It is fate that shuffles the cards, but we are the ones who play.»
7. "Words are full of falsehood or art; the look is the language of the heart."
8. "A man who does not feed on his dreams grows old soon."
9. "Men are the masters of their own destinies. The fault, my dear Brutus, is not in the stars, but in our vices."
10. "I swear that it is better to be of low condition and to rub shoulders happily with humble people, than to find oneself very high up, with a resplendent sorrow and to carry a golden sadness."

If you want to discover other equally wise phrases that invite reflection, explore our inspirational phrases.

The Cultural Impact and Eternal Legacy of Shakespeare

Shakespeare not only revolutionized the theater, but also left a profound mark on English literature and language. His works have been translated into more than 80 languages, including Klingon, in a tribute to the universal reach of his art. Films such as West Side Story y El Rey León are directly inspired by their creations.

Moreover, its impact extends beyond entertainment, even influencing the development of the modern English language. Expressions like "in a pickle" or "all the world's a stage" originated in his lyrics. and continue to be used daily.

William Shakespeare, born possibly on April 23, 1564, and died on the same day in 1616, lives on not only in his writings, but also in every corner of art and culture where his voice still resonates. From his contribution to the theatre to his unforgettable lines, Shakespeare inspires us to explore the power of words to shape our lives.