There is more to Shakespeare than the dreaded reading of "Romeo and Juliet" and "Julius Caesar" in high school. I may be the only nineteen-year-old who enjoys the witty banter of century-old writings (seriously, have you seen the shade that Shakespeare throws in some of his plays?), but his genius writings are undeniable.

This year marked the 400 year anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, and while the official date of his death is unclear, what is certain is the eternal impression that his writings have made in history. His writings and ideas still ring with truth and life long after his death.

Julias Caesar

It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves

As You Like It

A fool things himself to be wise, but a wise man knows himself to be a fool

Hamlet

Give ever man thy ear, but few thy voice

There is nothing good or bad but thinking makes it so

The Merchant of Venice

All that glisters is not gold

Henry V

Let life be short, else shame will be too long

Self-love, my liege, is not so vile a sin, as self-neglecting

Measure for Measure

Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt

Coriolanus

Action is eloquence

Sonnet Six

Yet, do thy worst old time: despite thy wrong, my love shall in my verse ever live long