Meaning: The quote "Give thy thoughts no tongue" is from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet", spoken by the character Polonius. This statement is part of a longer monologue where Polonius gives advice to his son, Laertes, as he is about to embark on a journey. The full quote is:

"Give thy thoughts no tongue, Nor any unproportioned thought his act. Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar. Those friends thou hast, and their adoption tried, Grapple them to thy soul with hoops of steel; But do not dull thy palm with entertainment Of each new-hatched, unfledged comrade. Beware Of entrance to a quarrel, but being in, Bear ’t that th’ opposed may beware of thee. Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice; Take each man’s censure, but reserve thy judgment. Costly thy habit as thy purse can buy, But not expressed in fancy—rich, not gaudy; For the apparel oft proclaims the man, And they in France of the best rank and station Are of a most select and generous chief in that. Neither a borrower nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. Farewell, my blessing season this in thee!"

In this speech, Polonius provides a series of moral and practical instructions to his son, advising him on how to conduct himself in various aspects of life. The line "Give thy thoughts no tongue" specifically advises Laertes to be cautious with his words and to not speak every thought that comes to mind. It suggests that one should be mindful of what they say and consider the consequences of their words before expressing them.

This quote has been interpreted in various ways, often emphasizing the importance of discretion, thoughtfulness, and self-control in communication. It encourages individuals to exercise restraint and think before speaking, as words have the power to impact relationships, reputations, and outcomes.

The advice offered by Polonius reflects timeless wisdom that remains relevant in contemporary society. In a world where communication is increasingly rapid and public, the significance of thinking before speaking is particularly pertinent. In the age of social media and instant messaging, the quote serves as a reminder to consider the implications of one's words and to communicate with mindfulness and intention.

The quote "Give thy thoughts no tongue" can be seen as a call for introspection and self-awareness. It urges individuals to reflect on their inner thoughts and exercise discretion in their expression. By doing so, one can cultivate a sense of authenticity, integrity, and thoughtfulness in their interactions with others.

Moreover, the quote also highlights the power of silence and the value of listening. It suggests that by withholding one's thoughts at times, one can better understand and empathize with others. This resonates with the idea of active listening and the importance of being present and attentive in conversations.

In conclusion, the quote "Give thy thoughts no tongue" from Shakespeare's "Hamlet" offers timeless advice on the importance of thoughtful communication and self-awareness. It encourages individuals to exercise discretion in their words, embrace introspection, and value the power of silence and active listening. These principles remain relevant and significant in today's fast-paced and interconnected world, serving as a reminder of the enduring wisdom found in Shakespeare's works.