This quote from Shakespeare's Macbeth encapsulates the existential insecurity that often accompanies positions of power. The line suggests that merely holding a title or status (to be thus) is insufficient unless one can maintain that position with certainty (safely thus). It reflects the anxious state of Macbeth, who, despite achieving kingship, remains haunted by fears of losing it. This resonates beyond Shakespeare's work as a profound commentary on the human condition—the pursuit of security and stability is often more valued than the attainment of status or achievement itself. The emphasis on safety highlights an inherent dilemma: power without safety brings anguish and emptiness, suggesting that fulfillment is tied not just to achieving goals but to securing them against threats. This quote invites readers to consider the fragility of success and the psychological toll of uncertainty, especially in contexts where power dynamics are unstable. It also underscores the idea that true contentment or meaning derives not just from the state of being, but from the assurance that the state can be sustained. Thus, this fragment anticipates the tragic unraveling that follows Macbeth’s insecurities and paranoia, framing his fate as a cautionary tale about the limits of ambition when paired with fear and suspicion.