There are many famous lines in Shakespeare, some of which are misunderstood when taken out of context. One such misunderstood line comes from the play "Twelfth Night," and is spoken by an obnoxious buffoon named Malvolio. He is a hapless steward in the household of Countess Olivia, and so disliked by other members of the household that they decide to play a trick on him. They deliver to him a love letter that they crafted but which purports to be from Olivia. The letter deceives him into believing that the Countess is in love with him, and sets him up for a humiliating fall. The line, seemingly, but mockingly, in praise of his high station, is: "Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them!" (The last part of the phrase has an intended sexual innuendo that, of course, was lost on the pompous fool.) Putting aside the letter's insincerity and innuendo, is there any truth to the premise that some are born great, some achie
Meditations on Law and Life