Who said “Nothing can come of nothing.”?

Verified

William Shakespeare. A published source records them saying or writing it.

SourceKing Lear (1605–6), Lear, Act I, scene i.

Evidence: Wikiquote · How we check

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Cite this quote

For academic work, cite the original where you can: King Lear (1605–6), Lear, Act I, scene i..

APA

Shakespeare, W. (n.d.). Nothing can come of nothing. [Quotation]. Famous Quotations Network. Retrieved October 24, 2026, from https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2208-nothing-can-come-of-nothing/

MLA

Shakespeare, William. “Nothing can come of nothing.” Famous Quotations Network, https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2208-nothing-can-come-of-nothing/. Accessed 24 Oct. 2026.

Chicago

Shakespeare, William. “Nothing can come of nothing.” Famous Quotations Network. Accessed October 24, 2026. https://www.famous-quotations.com/quotes/2208-nothing-can-come-of-nothing/.