As the Class of 2023 commences on their respective forays into the world, I’m reminded of the parting message given by Polonius to his son Laertes in “Hamlet.” Polonius, as a character, was kind of a skunk, but the pithy platitudes he shared are wise words nonetheless, whether you’re graduating from high school or college, or traversing the obstacles, opportunities and marvels of adulthood. Translated into modern English at www.myshakespeare.com, the classic speech reads as follows (bullet points added):
“…The wind is already filling the sails of your ship, and they’re waiting for you! I give you my blessings! And remember these principles to guide your behavior.
• Don’t say out loud everything you think, and don’t act on thoughts until you’ve examined them.
• Be friendly, but not too friendly.
• Hold on tight to those friends who you have tested, and who have proven worthy of your trust, but don’t wear out your palms shaking hands with every new acquaintance that comes along.
• Don’t get into fights, but once you’re in one make sure your opponent fears you.
• Listen to everyone, but talk only to a trusted few.
• Hear everyone’s views, but form your own opinions.
• Spend as much as you can afford on clothes, but don’t wear anything too ostentatious. Your clothes should be classy, not showy. Your appearance says a lot about you, and in France the upper classes are very careful about how they dress.
• Don’t borrow or lend money. Loaning to a friend often ends up costing you both the friend and the money. And borrowing makes you careless with your spending.
• But above all, be true to yourself because, if you do, then it follows as certainly as night follows day that you will be true to others as well.
Goodbye, and I hope, over time, these lessons will sink in.”
It’s good advice for any age or situation.
By NIKI TURNER | [email protected]