This question is in regards to Hamlets to be or not be speech.

Question

Historians have noted that some of the most effective leaders in recent history, including some recent Presidents, have not been considered to be especially intelligent. They have made quick decisions and decisive actions in times of crisis. In contrast, some of the most intelligent leaders have been unable to take decisive action in times of crisis. How might this soliloquy explain this situation? Is there a danger inherent in this phenomenon?

I understand from the speech he contemplates the thought of whether it is better to live or die. He also states that people are cowards and are afraid of death because they don't know what will come afterwards. Im not sure how this questions plays in to this theme? Hope that made sense

Answer 1

I wonder which Historians you follow, thence ask for exploitation from Shakespeare. And, I wonder what you mean by intelligence.

I reject your hypothesis as selective opinion, from people who never had to make decisions in their life, and in fact, view politicians as less than clean (even John Kennedy).

Hamlet perhaps was feigning madness during this speech (Ophelia was present), so it may be that Hamlet was trying to convince Ophelia that he was mad, crazy as a crock, and that may be a reason not to do deep thinking about the speech.

In decisions, we oft have to head into the unknown: out of the frying pan, into the fire. So decision makers cannot often use intellect, but cause a decision leads to the unknown. In my Operations Analysis background, we often did "risk analysis", which tried to bound the unknown. Was it successful? Usually not, time has its own ways to settle issues, and discover new ones. Those blessed (or cursed) with analytical minds depend on risk analysis, whereas Hamlet saw the issues not as an intelligentsia, but that of a madman.

Answer 2

This was asked buy my professor so umm.. i don't know.
But didn't he realized Ophelia was there at the end of his speech?

Thanks for your help though!

Answer 3

Historians have noted that some of the most effective leaders in recent history, including some recent Presidents, have not been considered to be especially intelligent. They have made quick decisions and decisive actions in times of crisis. In contrast, some of the most intelligent leaders have been unable to take decisive action in times of crisis. How might this soliloquy explain this situation? Is there a danger inherent in this phenomenon?

Too much thinking leads to indecision and/or bad decisions???

Answer 4

Or would a madman do just as well...

Answer 5

LOL, Bob!!

=)