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Shakespeare’s universal themes have always spoken to the modern moment. From romance to violence to fate, each play offers a thematic lens through which we can analyze our own lives as well as the current events taking place on the world stage. As we approach the presidential election here in the US, it’s a good time to reflect on what Shakespeare has to say about the implications of great power. A review of Stephen Greenblatt’s book, Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics, states, “No reader…could be in any doubt of Shakespeare’s fascination with the ways in which a tyrant exercised power.” Here are some quotes that speak to that fascination and explore the themes of power and leadership. (Click the red "Quote" links to see myShakespeare performances of some of these lines!)
From Julius Caesar
Quote: “Let me have men about me that are fat, sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o' nights. Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.”
Caesar in Julius Caesar
Act 1, Scene 2
myShakespeare’s modern English: I'd like to surround myself with fat, well-fed men who sleep soundly at night. But look at Cassius over there. He has a hungry look about him. He thinks too much. Men like that are dangerous.
Caesar speaks these lines as he grows suspicious of the people in his inner circle. Caesar’s position has caused him to
become paranoid that someone may try to take his power from him (a valid concern in Caesar’s case!). While Caesar was right to suspect conspiracy, Shakespeare might want us to consider if effective leaders would be better served surrounding themselves with wealthy and contented men or with deep thinkers who hunger for knowledge and progress. Was Shakespeare suggesting that Caesar’s desire to avoid the counsel of wise men was a sign that he was unfit for leadership?
Quote: “Th’ abuse of greatness is when it disjoins remorse from power.”
Brutus in Julius Caesar
Act 2, Scene 1
myShakespeare’s modern English: Abuse of power happens when the individual separates conscience from the use of that power.
Brutus speaks this line, indicating his new resolve that Caesar must die. While Brutus seems to admire and respect Caesar, he agrees with his fellow conspirators that Caesar has become too ambitious and is no longer prioritizing what is best for Rome. We often see those in power turn away from what might be considered morally just in the interest of preserving their power, and this line reminds us to be wary of the corrupting influence of unchecked power.
Quote: “The evil that men do lives after them; the good is oft interred with their bones.”
Mark Antony in Julius Caesar
Act 3, Scene 2
myShakespeare’s modern English: The bad things men do live on after their deaths, but the good things are often buried with their bones.
Mark Antony speaks these words in his famous speech following Caesar’s assassination. He appears to be referring to Caesar, but he is using his expert oratory skills to make veiled implications about the recent actions of Brutus, who is standing nearby. Antony argues that the public will remember a powerful person’s evil deeds far longer than they will remember the good they have done, implying that Brutus will be remembered for his assassination of Caesar.
When we think about those in power, such as the current and former US presidents, what determines how we remember them? How is their legacy defined? Do we tend to forget the good they have done, or do we eventually see most former leaders through rose-colored glasses? And how does the concept of legacy affect the choices leaders make, for better or worse?
From Macbeth
Quote: "I have no spur to prick the sides of my intent but only vaulting ambition which o’erleaps itself and falls on th’other."
Macbeth in Macbeth
Act 1, Scene 7
myShakespeare’s modern English: My only motivation is the kind of soaring ambition which can easily miss its jump and land improperly…
In these lines, Macbeth uses equestrian imagery to describe his motivation for killing King Duncan. After listing reasons he should not commit the terrible act, he admits to himself that only his ambition is driving him to kill the king. He also seems to know that there is a good chance things will end badly for him, causing him to land not in the saddle of power, but on the ground. This quote speaks to the moral compromises some leaders make as they strive for ever more powerful positions. Even when they know what they are doing is wrong and risky, people can become blinded by their desire to reach the top. As we elect our own leaders, it can be helpful to consider what motivates them—the call to public service, or a need to obtain power at all costs?
Quote: “To be thus is nothing, but to be safely thus.”
Macbeth in Macbeth
Act 3, Scene 1
myShakespeare’s modern English: To be king is nothing, if I am not safely king.
Macbeth speaks these words shortly after becoming king, having already achieved the power he sought since first hearing the witches’ prophecy. However, it seems this power is not enough. Macbeth wants to know that his position is secure and that nobody can take away his throne, so he plots to murder his friend Banquo and Banquo’s son, whom he has deemed threats. This line offers a peek into the paranoia that can consume those in positions of power. Leaders throughout history have taken drastic steps to avoid handing over their power—legislating longer terms, sabotaging elections, establishing dictatorships, and inciting insurrections. Shakespeare’s exploration of the qualities of a just and effective leader prompts us to assess if someone may be the type to refuse a transfer of power, or if they will willingly pass the torch when the time comes.
Quote: "I am in blood stepped in so far that, should I wade no more, returning were as tedious as go o'er."
Macbeth in Macbeth
Act 3, Scene 4
myShakespeare’s modern English: I’m so deep in this bloodshed that if I stopped this business now, going back would be as difficult as continuing all the way.
Macbeth utters this observation after he has repeatedly tried to use murder to solve his problems and is now being quite literally haunted by his evil deeds. This quote speaks to that moment in life when we have found ourselves deep in a mess of our own making with no perceivable way out. Through Macbeth, Shakespeare warns those with power to carefully consider the consequences of their choices, because they may not be able to undo the harm they have caused.
Bonus
These quotes come from two plays not featured on myShakespeare, but with “King” in the title, they surely both have something to offer when it comes to power and leadership.
Quote: “Think’st thou that duty shall have dread to speak when power to flattery bows? To plainness honor’s bound when majesty falls to folly.”
Kent in King Lear
Act 1, Scene 1
Kent speaks these lines when he fears the king is making poor and impulsive decisions, but unfortunately he is banished for having the courage to speak the truth. Shakespeare’s audience would have known about the dangers of a leader who was surrounded only by flatterers rather than advisors who will tell them the truth, even when it is difficult. Some leaders create this circle intentionally, weeding out anyone who tells them what they don’t want to hear and creating a barrier of confirmation bias between themselves and reality. With this quote, Shakespeare’s Kent cautions us to be wary of leaders who cultivate blind worship in their supporters while encouraging us to always speak truth to power.
Quote: “Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.”
The King in Henry IV, Part 2
Act 3, Scene 1
This may be the most famous Shakespeare quote referring to power and leadership, and it speaks to the fact that—to borrow a line from another cultural icon—with great power comes great responsibility. We have seen how power can create paranoia and moral decline, while good leadership carries the heavy burden of making important and ethically nuanced decisions that have real human consequences. Whether it be from desperately clinging to their power or from mulling over some of history’s most impactful decisions, it is hard to imagine any US president has had a good night’s sleep! Let us heed Shakespeare’s warnings and choose a leader who may lose sleep deciding which path is the most just, and not one who will be up at night plotting to maintain power at all costs.
