Here are some of William Shakespeare’s most famous and enduring quotes, drawn from his plays, sonnets, and poems. From the Plays 1. “To be, or not to be: that is the question.” Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1 Spoken by Prince Hamlet, this line contemplates life, death, and the human condition. 2. “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” — As You Like It, Act 2, Scene 7 Jaques reflects philosophically on life as a performance, with everyone playing roles from birth to death. 3.