Final answer:
The provided Shakespearean quote from 'Macbeth' speaks to the themes of unfulfilled ambition and the ephemeral nature of joy, which resonate with similar themes in other literary works cited.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quote 'Nought's had, all's spent...' originates from Shakespeare's play 'Macbeth' and reflects the character's realization that achieving their desires has not brought them happiness or contentment. This expression, along with the other quotes provided from various literary works, explores themes of ambition, mortality, and the fleeting nature of joy and contentment. These texts invite us to consider the impact of our actions, the impermanence of life and happiness, as well as the idea that sometimes what we strive for does not ultimately fulfill us. The common thread in these quotations is the philosophical and existential examination of human desires, the costs associated with pursuing them, and the inevitable realization that possessions and achievements do not always equate to lasting happiness.