Hamlet Quote To Thine Own Self Be True
“To thine own self be true” is a phrase from William Shakespeare’s play, Hamlet. The quote is spoken by Polonius, a character known for his lengthy speeches and advice to his son, Laertes. The full quote is “This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
The quote has become a popular saying, often used to encourage people to be true to themselves and their beliefs. It is a reminder that being honest with oneself is the foundation for living a fulfilling and authentic life.
Context of the Quote
The quote is spoken by Polonius to his son, Laertes, as part of a lengthy speech in Act I, Scene III of the play. Polonius is giving advice to Laertes as he prepares to leave for France. The speech is full of truisms and moral insights, and this quote is perhaps the most famous of them all.
Polonius is urging Laertes to behave honorably while he is away, and to maintain his reputation as a respectable young man. He tells Laertes to be true to himself, to his values and beliefs, and to act in a way that is consistent with his character.
The Meaning of the Quote
The meaning of the quote is simple: be true to yourself. It means being honest with yourself about your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, and not pretending to be someone you’re not.
When you are true to yourself, you are more likely to be happy and fulfilled. You are not living a lie, pretending to be someone else to please others or fit in. Instead, you are living an authentic life, true to your values and beliefs.
The second part of the quote, “And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man,” suggests that if you are true to yourself, you will also be true to others. You will not deceive, manipulate, or lie to others, because you are not deceiving, manipulating, or lying to yourself.
Why the Quote is Relevant Today
The quote is still relevant today because it speaks to the importance of self-confidence and self-awareness. In a world where social media encourages us to present a perfect image of ourselves, it can be easy to lose sight of who we really are.
But being true to oneself is essential for personal growth and happiness. It means accepting oneself, flaws and all, and striving to be the best version of oneself. It is about being honest with oneself about one’s strengths and weaknesses and working on self-improvement.
The Importance of Honesty
Honesty is a key theme in Hamlet, and the quote “To thine own self be true” is one of the most famous examples of this theme. Honesty is important because it is the foundation of trust and respect in any relationship, whether it is a personal or professional one.
Being honest with oneself means acknowledging one’s mistakes and taking responsibility for one’s actions. It means being willing to admit when one is wrong and apologizing when necessary. Honesty also means being truthful with others, even if it is difficult or uncomfortable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “To thine own self be true” is a powerful quote that encourages people to be true to themselves and their beliefs. It is a reminder that being honest with oneself is the foundation for living a fulfilling and authentic life. The quote is still relevant today, reminding us of the importance of self-confidence, self-awareness, and honesty in all aspects of our lives.
