So wise so young, they say, do never live long.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616)

It is from "Richard III", the play about a man who murders one of his brothers on the way to becoming king. He has been made guardian of his (dead) older brother's sons, who are heirs to the throne. He plots to kill them, too, so in this scene he tells them that they will reside in the Tower until the coronation of the older one of them. He, the Prince of Wales, does not like this idea, but agrees, and then Richard says these words as an aside.Of course, he usurps the crown for himself and kills the two princes.

What do these words tell us in general ? You shouldn't be too smart at an early age. People don't like other people outdoing them in every field, particularly intellectually, and particularly adults don't like youngsters to be better than they are. It could become dangerous, if intelligence is not based on life experience and knowledge of people's minds. The young genius may be seen as a threat and the more powerful adult might crush him to pieces.

The truly intelligent youngster learns when to shut up and watch and learn.
The truly great adult appreciates gifted young people, carefully guides them and helps them to survive.

It's the plays of Shakespeare that show you man's (=human) nature.

This sounds to me like an omen, a dark foreshadowing, an ominous black cloud about to burst upon the heads of the two princes...The older I grow the more I love Shakespeare.

Context: Billy and I were eight when he said this. We were comparing Easter basket contents, and he made this jest as he bit the head off of a chocolate bunny. I laughed as I bit the tail off of mine.

"You should be a playwright, Billy," I said.

"I'm going to be a shortstop," he asserted, "like Yogi Berra."

Both of us drizzled.

It is wise and the wiser with age, that's true that gain experience in life to outlive what once was young. Madison wrote slander against me. I did not "succumb to peer pressure". It was wrongly written. What was right, was the fact that they started Physical Training in the morning and were waiving their arms. So, I believed they told me to do it. Then, they said to bring me my profile. I showed them, and did not continue to do anything against the British Doctor.

Contextualization is always good. It helps in focusing our attention on aspects we wouldn't have thought about. Expecially LadyRose wrote that to support her elaboration, it was necessary an introduction to link what she was trying to say.

That's why i love W.S., he's describing mankind,not simple stereotypes like Aristotelian tradition did,he wrote about attitudes that are common to every human being on earth. Everyone would like to tend to perfection,youth and wisdom: everyone's dream, especially if forever. This involves a large list of topics: revenge, gealousy, passion, naivete, cunning,power, deception,death,and lots more.. Another reason for wich no one will write like him is his cut:he starts from the detail to reach the whole, and such harmonically.

Even if nowadays wisdom is not particurlary recherchèe, surely youth is still one of the most desired aspiration,and a lot more achievable than ever, with our fashionable make-up musk all over the face every single day, and with fake accultured smiles all around us showing us the brutality of reality .

ps= You're probably in the wrong discussion if you judge one's comment without even judge the quotation. Oh pardon, it's true, you're the heavy one !

That's hilarious.....mine used to say,"......commando, or NO GO!"

(my attempt at humour)

Its alright LadyRose, I'm growing up in the US (I'm still a teenager ) and I love Shakespeare, but sometimes I dont understand him. Not everybody can understand Shakespeare ... I'm guessin thats how he writes. idk. Nevertheless, ur right about this forum/thread being where we discuss the quote and not put anyone down for not getting it.

Wow, did I sound that harsh? I was IN NO WAY attacking LadyRose; nor was I questioning her analysis of Willy's poetry......I was simply reliving my Shakespeare days, from public school, as I've been reading Shakespears since aged 8, and travelling to The Avalon Theatre to watch since my teen's......

The "most of us" mentioned was inclusive of our Lady and I was merely giving a subtle compliment to others here for being able to develop and understanding of Shakespeare, nevermind being able to formulate and educated opinion of his work......and the thanks were genuinely given for taking your time to share YOUR grasp on him; it was NOT sarcasm.....if I use sarcasm, I promise you'll feel you need a band-aid.......that's a joke......

The after thought may have been unnecessary, and also too subtle, but I was seriously stating that the level of intellect I frequently observe Here is warming.....far beyond the need for Shakespearean explanation, unless you need a sleeping aid!

My humour is very dry....at times caustic.....but certainly not malicious. I will not apologize for presenting it in the way I have, however I will apologize to our Lady if she has taken any personal offence to it, as NONE was EVER intended toward such an obvkously gentle and thoughtful soul.....the rest of you can get over it.......it's too bad you didn't get it.

If you've got anymore to say, email me, directly.

My mistake, I apologize for my misinterpretation.