Shakespeare is widely recognized as one of the preeminent poets of the English language. Throughout his poetry, readers encounter both the lighter and joyous, as well as the darker and more burdensome moments of human existence. Although few scholars focus on this theme today, most of Shakespeare’s works are centered around the idea of Love. As an integral component of “The Good Life,” Love requires a willful receptivity in the contemplation and examination of its very essence. It must be tucked within the existential tensions of one’s life. In the face of a society driven by a sense of immanent productivity and constant activity, true contemplation requires a detachment from the distractive demands of the often-unrelenting madness of our world. Love requires a willingness to engage in intellectual pursuits for their own sake. It could be postulated that a truly fulfilling existence involves delving into the depths of one’s private being and embarking on a quest for authenticity in comprehending the nature of reality — a reality of love. As Aristotle wrote, man has within him an innate capacity for virtue, and man’s nature is not fixed or determined by outside forces. To live in accord with the highest virtue (theoria) is therefore the most elevated kind of life.
