7 Wittiest Quotes by William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare is known for his wit and humour. He has written many lines that have stood the test of time, here are some of the wittiest ones.

"Brevity is the soul of wit."

From Hamlet. Ironically spoken by Polonius, notorious for being long-winded, this line is a funny reminder that being concise is often smarter.

"Better a witty fool than a foolish wit."

From Twelfth Night. The Fool in Twelfth Night is known for his clever wordplay, and this line emphasizes the value of humour and wit over pretentious intelligence.

"The better part of Valour is Discretion; in the which better part, I have saved my life."

From Henry IV, Part 1. Falstaff, a comic character, justifies his cowardice with this line, humorously claiming that discretion is the better part of valour.

"Lord, what fools these mortals be!"

From A Midsummer Night's Dream. Puck, a mischievous fairy, says this line, humorously mocking the ridiculous behaviour of the human characters.

"Why, then the world’s mine oyster, Which I with sword will open."

From The Merry Wives of Windsor. Pistol humorously declares his intention to take whatever he wants from the world, using a clever metaphor about oysters.

"Though this be madness, yet there is method in't."

From Hamlet. Polonius says this about Hamlet to suggest that there is often a purpose or reason behind seemingly irrational behaviour.

"The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool."

From As You Like It. This quote reflects the paradoxical wisdom that true knowledge comes with humility.