William Shakespeare Quotes About Action

“Our remedies oft in ourselves do lie.”

Before assuming rescue must come from outside, the line asks what capacity, choice, or effort is already available within.

Source note: All’s Well That Ends Well, Act 1, Scene 1.

“Men at some time are masters of their fates.”

Circumstances matter, but people also have moments when their own decisions meaningfully shape what follows.

Source note: Julius Caesar, Act 1, Scene 2.

“There is a tide in the affairs of men which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune.”

Brutus uses the tide metaphor to argue that judgment includes timing: opportunities can require action before circumstances change.

Source note: Julius Caesar, Act 4, Scene 3; Brutus argues for taking the current opportunity rather than waiting.

“The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”

The line rejects passive fatalism and places responsibility for circumstances more directly on human decisions, ambition, and action.

Source note: Act 1, Scene 2; Cassius argues that human choices matter more than fate.

“Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.”

Doubt becomes harmful when it stops useful action before reality has had a chance to test what might be possible.

Source note: Act 1, Scene 4; Lucio argues against letting fear prevent an attempt.

“Wisely and slow; they stumble that run fast.”

Speed without judgment can undermine the very goal a person is pursuing, so patience becomes part of effective action.

Source note: Act 2, Scene 3; Friar Laurence urges Romeo to move with greater care.

“Things won are done; joy’s soul lies in the doing.”

Anticipation and active pursuit can carry more energy than possession itself, making the process part of the reward.

Source note: Troilus and Cressida, Act 1, Scene 2.