"What a piece of work is man" is a phrase from a monologue by Prince Hamlet in William Shakespeares play Hamlet. In this speech, Hamlet reflects on the human condition, initially admiring it and then becoming despairing. The full quote of the speech is:
What a piece of work is a man, how noble in reason, how infinite in faculty, in form and moving how express and admirable, in action how like an angel, in apprehension how like a god! The beauty of the world, the paragon of animals.
The phrase has been widely studied and analyzed for its meaning and significance. It highlights the complexity and potential of human beings, emphasizing their intellectual, physical, and moral qualities. The speech is often used in various contexts, such as literature, music, and film, to explore the nature of humanity and its contradictions.
