… To advise in parallel with Mr. Shakespeare, to that there is a question.  But the teacher assigned the homework, so I’ll give it a go.

Hamlet’s on the syllabus for Ben’s senior year. The students are going to study Polonius’ advice to his son Laertes.  Hamlet, Act I, Scene iii, Lines 59-80.

• Give thy thoughts no tongue, Nor any unproportioned thought his act. (Lines 59-60)
• Be thou familiar, but by no means vulgar.  (Line 61)
• This above all: to thine ownself be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man. (Lines 78-80)

Our assignment — provide ten to fifteen most important pieces of advice for your child as he goes off next year to college.  My submission:

To my son, Ben

• Acknowledge differences.  Focus on what you have in common.
• Live for something beyond you.  Love those near you.
• Floss your teeth.  And drink lots of water.
• Sometimes it’s like sailing.  Tack back and forth; it is often wiser than moving straight ahead.
• Sometimes it’s like hiking.  Lean into the hill and keep moving; it is often effort that gets you to the summit.
• Understand that people are weird.  Distinguish those who are the good-hearted oddballs; use caution with all others.
• Celebrate your physicality.  The body is amazing.
• Trust your instincts.  Evil exists.
• Walk in nature.  Engage in physical play.
• Treat a woman as equal in commerce. Admire a woman as beautiful in life. Accept a woman as partner in love.
• Read a newspaper regularly.
• Be physically strong, intellectual open, and emotionally sensitive.
• Give thanks.
• Show compassion.

Dad