Shakespeare, Twelfth Night 2.5
What it means
The line comes from a forged letter used to trick the steward Malvolio, but it outlived the joke. Greatness arrives in different ways. If it comes for you, do not flinch.
The source
"Be not afraid of greatness." Shakespeare said it in Twelfth Night 2.5. Written in English: Complete Works, Project Gutenberg #100.
"be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em."Original English (Complete Works, Project Gutenberg #100), Twelfth Night 2.5. Text read at gutenberg.org.
Who said it
Shakespeare (1564–1616). The playwright and poet of Stratford and the Globe. His characters still say the things we feel and cannot put into words.
Questions
- What does "Be not afraid of greatness." mean?
- The line comes from a forged letter used to trick the steward Malvolio, but it outlived the joke. Greatness arrives in different ways. If it comes for you, do not flinch.
- Who said "Be not afraid of greatness."?
- Shakespeare (1564–1616). Source: Twelfth Night 2.5.
- What is the original wording?
- be not afraid of greatness. Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon ’em (Original English (Complete Works, Project Gutenberg #100)). Written in English: Complete Works, Project Gutenberg #100.
- Is "Be not afraid of greatness." on a shirt?
- Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 7 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.
Cite this line
"Be not afraid of greatness." (Shakespeare, Twelfth Night 2.5, trans. Original English (Complete Works, Project Gutenberg #100)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/be-not-afraid-of-greatness
Filed under Quotes about discipline and grit.
Wear it your way
The same line in every look it fits. Each one is printed to order on heavy cotton, same price.
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More from Shakespeare
- To thine own self be true.Hamlet 1.3
- Nothing is good or bad, but thinking makes it so.Hamlet 2.2
- Cowards die many times. The brave die only once.Julius Caesar 2.2
- The fault is not in our stars, but in ourselves.Julius Caesar 1.2
- There is a tide. Take it at the flood.Julius Caesar 4.3
- Our doubts are traitors.Measure for Measure 1.4