Polonius' advice

Polonius' advice is still remembered to this day. The most famous lines are "Neither a borrower or a lender be," and "This, above all: to thine own self be true." Polonius' advice is remarkable since it seems at first to be good, sound philosophy for how one ought to live one's life. However, a closer examination reveals that it is also a list of "platitudes." A "platitude" is a statement which sounds important at first, but is actually rather flat, and simplistic, and dull. It may be a good, general rule, but does this mean that one can apply it to all circumstances? Is life really that simple?

Some people might argue that Polonius' advice does not really apply in any practical way. Some might argue the opposite of what Polonius seems to advise. If only Polonius would shut up and let them...

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