“To Thine Own Self Be True” are the words of wisdom by Polonius in Act 1, Scene 3, Hamlet. It is the last of all advice given by Polonius to his son Laertes before he was leaving for France. Other advice includes such “Give every man thy ear but few thy voice“, “Neither a borrower nor a lender be“.

All the advice given by Polonius are very popular and used very commonly. People use it in all the languages and different context, even without realizing that those are Shakespeare Quotes. This article will give you, full meaning and context of this Hamlet Quote. Below is the original text of the Quote.

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.
Farewell. My blessing season this in thee.

Act 1, Scene 3, (Line- 78) - Hamlet

Meaning and Context of “To Thine Own Self Be True”

Different meanings can be associated with the phrase “To Thine Own Self Be True”. But the most commonly understood meaning is “Being true to yourself” or “One must always do the right thing“. But keeping in mind the character of Polonius in the play. Many scholars believe that the correct meaning of the word “True” in the phrase is “Beneficial”. If it’s true, then the entire meaning changes. It would mean that “One must think about his benefit first“.

Polonius in the same conversation was found suggesting his son not to lend money to a friend, today it is recognized as words of wisdom. Also, the character of Polonius in the play is unpleasant. He sends someone to spy on his son, he also spies on his daughter, interferes in her love life and contributed to her suicide.

These words of wisdom, coming from a character like Polonius is pompous and hypocritical. But the fact that these words are written by Shakespeare definitely makes it worth quoting for more than 400 years now as quotes on wisdom and human behaviour.

Conclusion

William Shakespeare in order to show how a normal father and son relation be like presented the relationship between Polonius and Laertes. Polonius acts as a guide to his son. This is in contrast with the family life of Hamlet.