"ظاهر اغلب فریبنده است"

Appearances can trick us. That’s the core idea here. What we see on the surface doesn’t always reflect what’s underneath. It’s like when you see a beautifully wrapped gift—sometimes what's inside isn’t as exciting as the wrapping suggests. Or think about social media: people often post pictures that make their lives seem perfect, but they might be struggling behind the scenes.

Historically, this idea pops up everywhere. Remember the story of the Trojan Horse? The Greeks left a giant wooden horse outside the gates of Troy, pretending it was a gift. The Trojans brought it inside. Big mistake! Greek soldiers were hidden inside and, well, you know how that ended. So, this phrase has been relevant for ages.

Let’s dive into a real-life example. Picture this: you’re at a car dealership, and you see a shiny sports car. It’s gleaming, the paint job is flawless, and the interior looks brand new. You’re sold, right? But wait. If you just go by appearances, you might miss the fact that under the hood, the car has a ton of mechanical issues. Maybe it’s been in an accident, or it hasn’t been maintained well. If you skip the inspection and just trust your eyes, you could end up with a lemon.

So how do you apply this wisdom? It’s about digging deeper and not taking things at face value. If something seems too good to be true, ask questions. Do your research. Whether you’re making a big purchase, getting to know someone new, or even considering a job offer, it’s wise to look beyond the surface.

Here’s a relatable story. Imagine you’re at a job interview. The company’s office is stunning—glass walls, modern furniture, free snacks in the break room. You think, “This place is amazing!” But before you get ahead of yourself, talk to some employees. Ask about the work culture. Maybe they’ll tell you the real deal: long hours, high stress, and a high turnover rate. The fancy office doesn’t tell the whole story.

In our day-to-day lives, we can use this wisdom in simple ways. When you meet someone new, don’t judge them by their looks or their clothes. Get to know them. They might surprise you. And when you’re making decisions, whether big or small, take a step back and consider all the factors, not just what’s immediately visible.

Life is full of surprises. Sometimes, the things that seem great at first glance aren’t all they’re cracked up to be. And other times, something that seems plain or unassuming can turn out to be wonderful. So, take your time, look closer, and remember that appearances really can be deceiving. It’s advice that can save you from a lot of trouble—and maybe even lead you to some wonderful discoveries.