“Listen to many, speak to a few” is a modern English version of Shakespeare Quote “Give every man thy ear but few thy voice“. The line is spoken in Act 1, Scene 3 of Shakespeare’s Play Hamlet. The translated version of this quote is very popular. But we need to know that Shakespeare never used those words.

Meaning & Explanation: Listen to many, speak to a few

Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.

(Hamlet: Act 1, Scene3, Line: 68)

Sparknotes

The explanation of this famous Shakespeare Quote is very straight forward. Listening is more important than talking. When we speak, we just express our limited ideas. It doesn’t matter how much we know, still, it is very little in comparison to what needs to be known.

When we listen, we evaluate ideas that may differ from what we believe. It may lead us to change our perceptions about the world around us. This way we can develop each day by a simple act of “Listen to many, speak to a few“.

This was the advice given to Laertes by his father Polonius before Laertes was about to leave for France. Polonius is just like any father who is concerned about his son safety in a foreign land. He gives advice and instructions about how to maintain his behaviour.

The advice “Give every man thy ear but few thy voice” also sounds like a caution than a piece of general advice. It appears like Polonius don’t want his son Laertes to indulge in any type of argument and be nice to everybody.

Conclusion

Shakespeare, in the play Hamlet, shows the complicated family life of prince Hamlet. The normal family life of Laertes serves as the contrast to Hamlet’s family. The father-son bond between Polonius and Laertes also serves as a contrast to the main theme of the play.