Polonius' Advice vs. Ehrmann's Desiderata

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Have you ever been stuck and you needed advice from someone in your life? Laertes probably felt the same before he left to catch his ship in the play Hamlet. His father Polonius came and gave him life lessons that he could remember. Also, Max Ehrmann felt that there could be some people in need of advice when they’re going through a tough time, hence the creation of Desiderata. Polonius’ advice to Laertes is similar to Desiderata through the fact that they both give advice on selective speech and hearing, being true to yourself, and being prepared for misfortune. First, both the poem and Polonius’s speech to Laertes say that you must have careful speech but broad listening skills. Polonius advised Laertes to not only choose wisely what he says, but to also listen to the people who speak to him. Polonius’ official words are “Give every man thine ear, but few thy voice” (1.3.72). On the other hand, Max Ehrmann says to speak unmistakably and to listen to others whenever they speak. When you speak you must be clear and opinionated with what you say. Ehrmann states in Desiderata, “Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others,” (Ehrmann 5-6). These two sects of print are similar in the fact that they are both giving advice to hear people’s problems and stories, but to only speak when it is needed. Secondly, both of these speeches say you should be true to who you are on the inside. Near the end of Polonius’ speech, he left Laertes with some very insightful words. In Polonius’ speech, he is quoted, “This above all, to thine own self, be true” (1.5.82). Essentially, what Polonius is saying is if Laertes was to remember one thing out of Polonius’ whole speech, it would be to be true to himself. When you are true to yourself, you have no regrets and you don’t have to put your morals in jeopardy. Then again, In Desiderata, Ehrmann says, “If you compare

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