In today's world, people are often judged not only for their actions, but also for the reasons behind these actions. A “good” action can be done, but it is only truly good if the intentions are well-intended. Humanism is an example of such acts where intentions are vital to the effects of such actions. In Macbeth, humanism is a clear theme that Shakespeare uses through his characters. He provides many examples of humanism and its effects to clearly illustrate his purpose towards humanism in writing the work. Shakespeare highlights the importance of good intentions in humanism by describing the effects of immoral use through Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, the regrets made by Macbeth after such immoral use, and the results of benevolent use through Macduff and Malcolm. Shakespeare shows the harmful effects of using malevolent humanistic intentions through Macbeth and his wife's numerous attempts to actively change fate and create opportunities for themselves, rather than simply waiting for their fate to happen in its own time. Shakespeare shows Macbeth's obsession with changing his fate when Macbeth tells himself that "[his] thought...so shakes [his] only human state that function is smothered in conjecture, and nothing is but that which is not" (Shakespeare I, iii 152) -155). Macbeth is clearly deep in thought about the potential results of changing his destiny, although the acts of humanism in mind are sinful in every way. Shakespeare writes this quote so that one can infer that no good can come from immorally altering one's destiny. Later in Act 1, Lady Macbeth clearly praises corrupt humanism when she says of Macbeth, “You would be great, not without ambition, but without sickness attending” (Shakespeare I, v 18-20). . middle of paper ...and killed, he uses humanism the way it should be used: to save his own life and that of his brother. Shakespeare uses humanism on the part of both Macduff and Malcolm to demonstrate how humanism should be applied to life. In Macbeth, Shakespeare explains his view of humanism and how it should be used through the characterization of the good and evil characters in the play. He also highlights the importance of good intentions when using humanism. Although he does not protest it outright, Shakespeare provides some warnings regarding humanism. This serves to remind us that, although it may sometimes seem that life can be improved by being more active and humanistic, sometimes it is better to let things take their course. Ultimately, Shakespeare warns against the misuse of humanism and advocates the correct and moderate use of humanism.