Sep

9

Advice

September 9, 2025 |

Advice of Polonious to Laertes:

And, as well as that, remember these few principles – take note. Don’t let your thoughts be known, or any inappropriate act be done. Be friendly with people but respectable, not common and vulgar. Tie your closest and truest friends to your soul with steel chains, but don’t just let any stranger be one of your close friends. Be wary about entering into a fight, but if you do end up in one, "bear’t that the opposed may beware of thee".

Compared to Don Quixote's advice to Sancho Panza:

Advice focusing on both character and behavior, urging him to take pride in his humble lineage, pursue virtue, and show compassion as a ruler. He also provides practical, albeit peculiar, etiquette tips, like walking slowly, eating moderately, speaking deliberately, and refraining from eating garlic or onions and excessive drinking or belching. The goal is for Sancho to act as a wise and virtuous governor, not ashamed of his origins, but instead using his intelligence and mercy to rule his island justly.

Advice on Character and Rule

Embrace your Humble Origins: Do not be ashamed of your peasant lineage; instead, take pride in your humility and the virtue you acquire.

Cultivate Virtue: Strive for virtuous actions, as they are more valuable than inherited bloodlines or material wealth.

Show Compassion and Leniency: Treat criminals with mercy and compassion, remembering that God values mercy.

Be Wise and Grateful: Fear God, for wisdom comes from Him, and be grateful for the good fortune of your governorship.

Be a Good Family Man: Welcome and honor any relatives who visit your island.

Advice on Conduct and Etiquette

Walk and Speak Deliberately: Stroll at a measured pace and speak thoughtfully, avoiding all affectation.

Eat and Drink Sparingly: Consume small amounts for lunch and even less for supper, and drink temperately, as too much wine can betray secrets and promises.

Practice Good Manners: Refrain from eating with food in both cheeks and from belching in company.

Be Clean: Ensure you are clean and have your fingernails clipped.

Avoid Garlic and Onions: Do not eat garlic or onions so that your low birth cannot be detected by your smell.

Don't Over-Proverbialize: Do not use too many proverbs, as they can be tiresome to others.

In essence, Don Quixote wants Sancho to use these teachings to become a just, humble, and virtuous leader who is grounded in his origins but elevated by his character and good conduct.

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