Well, God give them wisdom that have it, and those that are fools, let them use their talents

Well, God give them wisdom that have it, and those that are fools, let them use their talents

In the world of William Shakespeare, wisdom and foolishness are recurring themes that are explored in depth through his characters and their actions. The quote “Well, God give them wisdom that have it, and those that are fools, let them use their talents” encapsulates the idea that those who possess wisdom should use it wisely, while those who are foolish should at least make use of whatever talents they have been given.

Throughout Shakespeare’s plays, we see characters who are wise and make sound decisions based on their knowledge and experience. These characters often serve as moral guides or mentors to others, offering advice and guidance that ultimately leads to positive outcomes. For example, in “Hamlet,” the character of Polonius offers his son Laertes a series of wise aphorisms before he departs for France, including the famous line “To thine own self be true.” This advice serves as a moral compass for Laertes throughout the play, guiding his actions and decisions.

On the other hand, Shakespeare also presents us with characters who are foolish or make poor choices due to their lack of wisdom. These characters often serve as cautionary tales, demonstrating the consequences of ignorance or arrogance. For example, in “King Lear,” the titular character’s foolish decision to divide his kingdom among his daughters based on their flattery leads to chaos and tragedy. Lear’s lack of wisdom and inability to see through his daughters’ deceit ultimately leads to his downfall.

However, Shakespeare also suggests that even those who are foolish or lacking in wisdom can still make use of their talents in some way. Characters like Bottom in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” or Sir Toby Belch in “Twelfth Night” may be foolish in their actions, but they also possess a certain charm or wit that allows them to entertain others and bring humor to the story.

Overall, Shakespeare’s exploration of wisdom and foolishness in his plays serves as a reminder that we all have our strengths and weaknesses, and it is up to us to make the most of what we have been given. Whether we are wise or foolish, we can still use our talents to make a positive impact on the world around us.