Polonius tells Laeres "to thine own self be true.". But what does that really mean? does it mean "be in peace with yourself", or "stay firm for what you believe in", or "don't let yourself be influenced by the others"? I am confused. Thanks for your help :)
2007-05-23 06:25:17 · 7 answers · asked by ---- 2 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Other - Arts & Humanities
Don't lie to yourself.
2007-05-25 04:40:26 · answer #1 · answered by Dancing Bee 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe the whole line is something like, "This above all. To thine own self be true. Then you can not be false with any man."
It is a thinking approach to instruction not to be a liar.
Essentially, I believe this is instruction from a father to a son to live by the principles of good and righteousness. If a person does not have to make excuses or lie to oneself about the choices he/she has made and actions she/he has done, then that person will have no reason to lie to anybody else.
Interestingly, given the nature of Polonius' instruction, it is curious that he is a meddling old fool.....
And it is the same instructive speech that includes "neither a borrower or lender be". This instruction is not license to be selfish, but a warning based on the adage that, "The borrower is the servant/slave of the lender." Polonius is telling his son not be a servant/slave to the whim of who he might borrow money from, nor be the overlord of a person who might owe him money.
2007-05-23 13:35:00 · answer #2 · answered by MLBadger 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Isn't that the same speech where he says "neither a borrower or a lender be"? I think what he's trying to say is that at the end of the day Laeres needs to do what is best for himself, even if it means potentially not helping out a friend if it's to his own detriment.
2007-05-23 13:29:35 · answer #3 · answered by cyara118 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One of the characteristics that makes Shakespeare's writings appealing is that a profound statement can have several meanings. I think that is the case here. That statement can mean don't lie to yourself. It can also mean don't change your set of values for self aggrandizement. Don't change just to be "accepted". If you genuinely feel you should change something about yourself for growth or improvement, that is different from changing for a shallow reason. All of these center around a similar theme, but have different shades of meaning.
2007-05-24 00:40:31 · answer #4 · answered by Joy Z 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I understand the quote to mean something like agree or disagree you decide it's like you decide about what you want to do what you want to be it's all your decision
2007-05-24 00:15:51 · answer #5 · answered by livivillanueva 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it means to get funky and hit some *** ooo yere
2007-05-26 00:55:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
be sincere with yourself, walk the walk and talk the talk.
2007-05-24 01:34:43 · answer #7 · answered by ari-pup 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋