Life is an illusion

MACBETH:

Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more. It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and furry,
Signifying nothing.

William Shakespeare - Macbeth (V, 5, 24)

Lady Macbeth learned from Machiavelli

Lady Macbeth:

[...] To beguile the time,
Look like the time; bear welcome in your eye,
Your hand, your tongue. Look like th'innocent flower,
But be the serpent under't.

William Shakespeare - Macbeth