To be or not to be …

The phrase “To be or not to be” is the opening line of one of the most famous soliloquies in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet. In what is, quite possibly the most famous speech in literature, Hamlet contemplates the nature of existence and the human condition. The soliloquy, from Act 3, Scene 1, begins as follows:

To be or not to be, that is the question:
Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles
And, by opposing, end them.

You can read the rest of the soliloquy here.

Hamlet is grappling with profound philosophical and existential questions. He is contemplating whether it is better to endure the suffering and challenges that life presents (to be), or to end one’s own existence (not to be). Hamlet is torn between these two options, and he is reflecting on the idea of suicide as a way to escape the difficulties and pain of life.

This monologue explores themes of life, death, suffering, and the unknown, that run throughout the play. It is a reflection of Hamlet’s inner turmoil and his struggle to make sense of the world around him. The soliloquy is often quoted and studied for its deep philosophical and psychological insights into the human condition.