This quote from Shakespeare is a powerful commentary on human behavior and societal norms. The first part, “Why should we rise because ’tis light?” questions the routine of waking up when the sun rises. The second part, “Did we lie down because ’twas night?” similarly questions the norm of sleeping when it gets dark. At a deeper level, this quote challenges the notion of conformity and the blind adherence to societal norms and expectations.

In essence, Shakespeare is encouraging us to question why we do the things we do. Are we simply following the crowd, adhering to societal norms without questioning them? Or are we making conscious decisions based on our own beliefs, values, and understanding? He’s inviting us to break free from the shackles of conformity and to think for ourselves.

In today’s world, this quote is more relevant than ever. We live in a society that often values conformity and adherence to norms. We’re expected to follow a certain path – go to school, get a job, get married, have kids, and so on. But often, these expectations can lead us to live unfulfilled lives.

This quote can be applied to personal development in the sense that it encourages us to question our actions and decisions. Are we doing things because we truly want to or because it’s what’s expected of us? It’s a call to action to live more consciously and intentionally, to make decisions based on our own values and desires rather than societal expectations. In this way, we can lead more fulfilling and authentic lives.