Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em
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What's the meaning of the phrase 'Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em'?
Literal meaning
What's the origin of the phrase 'Some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em'?
From Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, 1602:
Malvalio:
In my stars I am above thee; but be not afraid of greatness: some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon 'em.