To Thine Own Self Be True

Polonius:

“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!”

Laertes:

“Most humbly do I take my leave, my lord.”

Hamlet, Act 1, scene 3, 78 – 82.

-Shakespeare

“To thine own self be true” is Polonius’s last piece of advice to his son Laertes, who is in a hurry to get on the boat to Paris, where he will be safe from his father’s long-winded speeches. Polonius has in mind something more Elizabethan than the New Age self-knowledge that the phrase now suggests. As Polonius sees it, borrowing money, carousing with women of dubious character, and other intemperate pursuits are “false” to the self. By “false” Polonius seems to mean “disadvantageous” or “detrimental to your image” by “true” he means “loyal to your own best interests.” Take care of yourself first, he counsels and that way you’ll be in the position to take care of others.

Frustrations, depressions, drug-addictions to mention a few, are common conditions that any individual can easily develop. It is not intended for any particular psychographic segmentation of people but for the ones who remain “false” to themselves mostly by engaging in acts and professions that are disadvantageous and detrimental to their image. 

Ever wondered why some successful and wealthy people end up on drugs or commit suicide after all they have achieved?

Or, why some experts in a particular field of art unexpectedly diversify into an entirely unrelated field overnight?

The news headlines always have it; ‘RENOWNED ARTIST TURNS PASTOR’ or ‘CELEBRATED JOURNALIST TURNS POLITICIAN’. 

These are all indicators that although it may seem that one is successful in a particular profession or art, the individual may not necessarily be passionate about it thus living in falsehood of one’s self. The art or profession if not resigned may result in frustrations, depression among others. The only sure way to overcome these conditions is to stay forever “true to thine own self” by doing precisely what is in your best interest regardless of what others claim suits you better. Simply put, Polonius advises that one is NOT mandated to, for example;

·         Be a musician because one’s parent was once a celebrated musician, or

·         Work for any company regardless, because the pay is good.

·         Neither should one sell his/her soul for money and fame, nor

·         Engage in wrongdoings because no one seems to be watching (Remember you and God are).

   

Man, to thine own self be true and that is the only way to attain happiness and fulfillment. Resist the urge to chase only after wealth and pay much more attention to your “true” self, which is your values and passion. By choosing to do exactly what you are truly passionate about, you will become happier and be in the position to care for others. For instance;

·         If you are a doctor but desire to be a minister of the Gospel, become that minister!

·         If you are a university graduate but desire to sell coconuts sell those coconuts!

·         If you are a politician but desire to be honest, then be honest!

·         If you are a policeman but do not want to take bribes, don’t take it!

·         If you are rich but desire to mingle with the poor, mingle with the poor!

·         If you work for a company but desire to become an entrepreneur, quit that job!

·         If you belong to one political party but share in the vision of the other, vote the other into power!

Never allow yourself to be dictated to, be loyal to your own best interests and there you will forever find happiness. Do away with hypocrisy then you will save yourself the trouble of having to jump off a 55-storey building after acquiring all the wealth and fame, only because you insisted on pleasing others thus remaining “false” to yourself. 

To assist you in heeding to the advice of Polonius is an interesting rendition of a popular nursery rhyme. Recite it whenever you are faced daily with the countless “true” or “false” choices of self. I hope it enables you to make the right and “true” choice to prevent cases of frustrations, depression and drug-addictions, later in life.

Lies, lies, lies

Tell it to myself?

No, no, no

Why, why, why?

Because, I know the truth (2x)

God bless you!

Best Regards.

-Atsu Dogbey