Be True
"This above all-to thine own self be true"
Be True
In Shakespeare's Hamlet in Act 1 scene 3, when Polonius says "This above all-to thine own self be true" Polonius is trying to convey to his son Laertes to live a proper life, before he leaves for Paris. Polonius believes that to borrow money, or steal money, and to associate around women with bad character is not being "true" to yourself. By saying be loyal to yourself he means that when you are making the best actions and becoming the best person you can be, then you will be prepared to take care of others. The true reason that Polonius says this to his son is for his own reputation. Polonius works hard to make others see how he is "true to himself" and "true to tohers" by being honorable and respectable.