to thine own self be true

Definition

Be yourself; be true to yourself; do not engage in self-deception.

Etymology

From a monologue delivered by the character Polonius in Act I Scene III of Hamlet by William Shakespeare.

Example Sentences

• "This aboue all, to thy owne ſelfe be true, And it muſt follow as the night the day, Thou canſt not then be falſe to any one, […]"
• ""To thine own self be true," I saw, was what produced vitality, confidence, and genuine expression in one's interpersonal relations."
• "Know thyself. To thine own self be true. For the man or woman who can confront the demon within, there is a hopeful prognosis."