"The mind I sway by, and the heart I bear / Shall never sag with doubt nor shake with fear." - William Shakespeare
Is there anyone who has never come across the wave of self doubt? Whose confidence didn't get shattered into pieces at some point of time? Who has not lost the strength to fight the battles of mind and heart?
This is a quote from William Shakespeare's Macbeth. I would be joking if I say he's an underrated writer because his popularity seems to exist worldwide. However, even though he's so popular, I've failed to hear or see this quote as much as I should have. This quote is a fuel for self confidence- something a person should have in themself despite the mocking, gossips, failures, unaccomplished achievements and all that pulling them down. They must not let themselves shatter because of that tiny doubt which comes creeping in those empty little spaces that we seem to form because of our own thoughts.
This quote did wonders for me at a time when I did not have even an ounce of respect or love for myself. This masterpiece might turn out as that spark of belief that we all should have in ourselves everytime we find ourselves heading towards the darkness of doubts. Additionally, the fact that Shakespeare has mentioned the two parts who are incharge of this on and off i.e. our minds and our hearts, makes it even more beautiful. This is because every single choice that we make, thoughts that come through are the doing of either of the two as the mind seems to have a more rational insight on everything once it's made up it doesn't get broken up while the heart seems to be our softer spot, one drawn by feelings and not thoughts.
Sometimes, when I speak my mind I seem heartless and when I do what’s in my heart I seem thoughtless. So, they could also be responsible for our downfall. However, as this quote denotes that the heart can be feared not doubted and the mind can be doubted not feared speaks the intensity of their different aspects and visions that seem to have two irreconcilable outlooks. The thing is, it's okay to get messed up by these battles of your own but as this quote helped me in realising their difference and how they are so conflicting— I hope this quote or some other Literary Treasure helps you perceive the situation. What needs to be feared and what needs to be doubted and accordingly, what you should choose— the heart or the mind.
So, every time you feel a little low, you can rely upon these lines to cheer your heart and brain with positivity and energy. Maybe you should try it and with every conflict that you win reward yourself with a little more self confidence and belief!
Sakshi Sinha
Editorial Board
The Redstockings Chronicle
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