I learned something new today....the popular phrase ("All the world's a stage") that starts the monologue spoken by Jaques in the play (Act II) "As You Like It" - was not originated by Shakespeare. According to Wikipedia: "Shakespeare did not invent the metaphor; it was already in common use by the 16th century."*
     According to Wikipedia's footnotes, "Henry V had a tapestry illustrating the seven ages of man PROME, 1423 October, item 31 entries 757-97 quoted in Ian Mortimer: 1415 - Henry V's Year of Glory."*
 It had been such a common metaphor, that Shakespeare had expected his audience to already understand its meaning. Metaphorically, the phrase speaks of the world as a stage and life as a play:
     "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts".   
     Further in Wikipedia, the phrase is broken down into 7 stages as follows:          

"Infancy: In this stage he is in Childhood: It is in this stage that he begins to go to school. He is reluctant to leave the protected environment of his home as he is still not confident enough to exercise his own discretion.

The lover: In this stage he is always remorseful due to some reason or other, especially the loss of love. He tries to express feelings through song or some other cultural activity.

The soldier: It is in this age that he thinks less of himself and begins to think more of others. He is very easily aroused and is hot headed. He is always working towards making a reputation for himself and gaining recognition, however short-lived it may be, even at the cost of his own life.

The justice: In this stage he has acquired wisdom through the many experiences he has had in life. He has reached a stage where he has gained prosperity and social status. He becomes very attentive of his looks and begins to enjoy the finer things of life.

Old age: He begins to lose his charm — both physical and mental. He begins to become the brunt of others' jokes. He loses his firmness and assertiveness, and shrinks in stature and personality.

Mental dementia and death: He loses his status and he becomes a non-entity. He becomes dependent on others like a child and is in need of constant support before finally dying." *