answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

To the modern ear it means that you are healthier and happier when you act according to your own personal convictions and beliefs rather than acting to please others. This is a nice sentiment, but much harder to do than to say. Life is filled with compromizes, and we have to follow many rules and conventions that we may not agree with. As issues become more and more crucial, we have to decide how much ground we are willing to give. In life and death situations, the persons are rare who are willing to put their lives at risk in support of a deeply held conviction.

Thinking about it in this way, Shakespeare's use of the line in Polonius' advice to Laertes [Hamlet] is richly ironic. Polonius has more in mind that being 'true' is being devoted to one's self-interests, in sharp contrast to the more idealistic interpretation above. So being 'true' may in fact involve acting in ways to please others, if doing so advances one's own goals or status.

User Avatar

Alessia Carter

Lvl 10
1y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

4w ago

This quote, from Shakespeare's "Hamlet", means to be honest with oneself and stay true to one's values and beliefs. It emphasizes the importance of authenticity and self-respect in making decisions and living a fulfilling life.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

13y ago

To the modern ear it means that you are healthier and happier when you act according to your own personal convictions and beliefs rather than acting to please others. This is a nice sentiment, but much harder to do than to say. Life is filled with compromizes, and we have to follow many rules and conventions that we may not agree with. As issues become more and more crucial, we have to decide how much ground we are willing to give. In life and death situations, the persons are rare who are willing to put their lives at risk in support of a deeply held conviction.

Thinking about it in this way, Shakespeare's use of the line in Polonius' advice to Laertes [Hamlet] is richly ironic. Polonius has more in mind that being 'true' is being devoted to one's self-interests, in sharp contrast to the more idealistic interpretation above. So being 'true' may in fact involve acting in ways to please others, if doing so advances one's own goals or status.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is the meaning of 'to thine own self be true'?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What does thine mean?

In the quotation 'To thine own self be true' thine is used for the word 'your'. It says 'Be true to yourself'.


To thine own self be true?

The quote "To thine own self be true" was written by Shakespeare. This appears in a speech by Polonius in Hamlet. This is NOT in the Bible.


Translate to thine own self be true?

Translating to contemporary English "Be true to yourself."


How you can put true in a sentence?

He's showing his true colors. To thine own self be true.


What is the difference between To thy own self be true vs to thine own self be true?

Grammar. "Thine" is used before a word beginning with a vowel (like the difference between "a" and "an"). Shakespeare wrote "thine," of course. (Elizabethan grammar was a flexible thing, but not in this case.)


What are the ratings and certificates for 90210 - 2008 To Thine Own Self Be True 2-10?

90210 - 2008 To Thine Own Self Be True 2-10 is rated/received certificates of: Netherlands:6 USA:TV-14


When was Thine Own Self created?

Thine Own Self was created on 1994-02-14.


In Primis Esto Fidelis Tibi in English?

"This above all: to thine own self be true."


What is the important thing for humane being?

I think Shakespeare said it best: "To thine own self be true."


What are the release dates for Make It or Break It - 2009 To Thine Own Self Be True 2-17?

Make It or Break It - 2009 To Thine Own Self Be True 2-17 was released on: USA: 9 May 2011 USA: 9 May 2011 Japan: 10 February 2013


What is Glen Eden Intermediate School's motto?

The motto of Glen Eden Intermediate School is 'To Thine Own Self Be True'.


Where does the qoute this above all to thine own self be true come from?

polonius says this quote in the Shakespeares play "HAMLET"