In this passage from King Lear by William Shakespeare, the speaker reflects on human tendencies to blame external forces for personal failures. Instead of accepting responsibility for their actions, people often attribute their misfortunes to celestial bodies and fate, claiming that they are compelled to behave poorly by the influence of the stars. This perspective reveals a deep-seated denial of personal accountability.

This idea underscores the irony of human nature, as individuals evade responsibility by framing themselves as victims of a cosmic conspiracy. By suggesting that their faults—such as greed, dishonesty, or betrayal—are dictated by planetary influences, they ultimately absolve themselves of guilt. Shakespeare critiques this behavior, highlighting a fundamental weakness in humanity's unwillingness to confront its shortcomings directly.