Polonius' advice to his son, when considered on the whole,
seems to place a heavy emphasis on protecting one's reputation. He starts his advice
with "And these few precepts in thy memory / Look thou character." He wants Laertes to
be very aware of his actions and what others may know or say about him that could be
judged by his speech or actions. In three separate places his tells Laertes to not
speak his mind. First in the line you asked about, and later when he says, "Give every
man thine ear, but few thy voice" and lastly the next line says, "Take each man's
censure, but reserve thy judgement."
Polonius has an
important position in the court and doesn't want either of his children's actions to
reflect badly on the family name. This speech and the one that follows to Ophelia show
Polonius' emphasis on ettiquette and appearances.
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