The quote "Tis in ourselves that we are thus or thus" from Shakespeare's Othello suggests that our characteristics and fates are determined by our own actions and decisions. It emphasizes personal responsibility and the idea that we shape our identities and destinies through our choices. This notion indicates that while external factors may influence us, ultimately, it is our inner will that steers the course of our lives.

The following part of the quote, "Our bodies are our gardens to the which our wills are gardeners," employs the metaphor of gardening to illustrate how we cultivate our lives. Just as a gardener tends to a garden, nurturing or neglecting the plants, we must actively care for our inner selves. This reinforces the idea that taking charge of our thoughts, behaviors, and aspirations is essential in cultivating a fulfilling and meaningful existence.