What thou wouldst highly, that wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, and yet wouldst wrongly win

What thou wouldst highly, that wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, and yet wouldst wrongly win

In William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," the character Polonius delivers a famous line that reads, "What thou wouldst highly, that wouldst thou holily; wouldst not play false, and yet wouldst wrongly win." This line is spoken by Polonius to his son Laertes as he gives him advice before he leaves for France. The quote is often interpreted as a warning against pursuing one's desires at any cost, even if it means resorting to dishonest or immoral means.

The first part of the quote, "What thou wouldst highly, that wouldst thou holily," suggests that one should pursue their goals with a sense of reverence and integrity. In other words, if you want something badly, you should strive to achieve it in a way that is honorable and virtuous. This advice reflects the moral values of the time in which Shakespeare was writing, where honor and integrity were highly valued traits.

The second part of the quote, "wouldst not play false, and yet wouldst wrongly win," serves as a caution against using deceitful or unethical tactics to achieve one's goals. It warns against the temptation to cheat or manipulate others in order to get what you want. This part of the quote highlights the importance of maintaining one's moral compass and not compromising one's principles in the pursuit of success.

Overall, this quote from "Hamlet" can be seen as a reflection of Shakespeare's broader themes of morality, honor, and the consequences of one's actions. It serves as a reminder that true success is not measured by material gain or power, but by the way in which one conducts themselves and the values they uphold. By following the advice of Polonius and pursuing one's desires with integrity and honesty, one can achieve true fulfillment and satisfaction in life.