O thoughts of men accurst! Past and to come seems best; things present, worst

O thoughts of men accurst! Past and to come seems best; things present, worst

The quote “O thoughts of men accurst! Past and to come seems best; things present, worst” perfectly encapsulates the timeless themes of nostalgia, regret, and longing that are prevalent in many of William Shakespeare’s works. Throughout his plays and sonnets, Shakespeare often explores the complexities of human emotions and the constant struggle between the past, present, and future.

In many of his tragedies, such as “Hamlet” and “Macbeth,” Shakespeare delves into the inner turmoil of his characters as they grapple with the consequences of their actions and the weight of their past decisions. The quote reflects the idea that people often romanticize the past or idealize the future, while struggling to find contentment in the present moment. This sentiment is echoed in the character of Hamlet, who is consumed by thoughts of revenge and haunted by the memory of his father’s ghost, unable to find peace in the present.

Similarly, in “Macbeth,” the titular character is driven to madness by his ambition and guilt, constantly tormented by his past actions and fearful of what the future may hold. The quote highlights the idea that the present moment is often overshadowed by the ghosts of the past and the uncertainties of the future, leading to feelings of discontent and despair.