It is the stars, the stars above us, govern our conditions

It is the stars, the stars above us, govern our conditions

In William Shakespeare's play, "King Lear," the character Gloucester utters the famous line, "As flies to wanton boys are we to the gods; They kill us for their sport." This sentiment reflects the idea that human beings are at the mercy of forces beyond their control, specifically the stars and the gods. Gloucester's words suggest that our fates are predetermined by celestial bodies and divine beings, and that we are mere playthings in their hands.

The concept of celestial bodies influencing human affairs was a common belief in Shakespeare's time. Astrology was widely practiced and believed to have a significant impact on people's lives. The alignment of the stars and planets was thought to determine a person's personality, fate, and fortune. This belief is reflected in the quote, "It is the stars, the stars above us, govern our conditions." The idea that our conditions are governed by the stars implies that our destinies are predetermined and beyond our control.

Shakespeare often used celestial imagery in his plays to convey themes of fate, destiny, and the supernatural. In "Romeo and Juliet," for example, the young lovers are described as "star-crossed" because their love is doomed by the alignment of the stars. In "Julius Caesar," the character Cassius warns Caesar of his fate by pointing to the stars and interpreting their movements as a sign of impending danger.

The quote, "It is the stars, the stars above us, govern our conditions," encapsulates the idea that human beings are subject to forces beyond their understanding. It suggests that our lives are influenced by cosmic powers that are beyond our control. This fatalistic view of the world is a recurring theme in Shakespeare's works, as he explores the tension between free will and destiny.

Overall, the quote highlights the idea that human beings are at the mercy of larger forces that shape our lives and determine our fates. It serves as a reminder of the fragility of human existence and the power of the unseen forces that govern our world.