“To create a more sincere experience of ourselves we have to be willing to express what we would otherwise repress ”
— Alain de Botton
Simplified Meaning:
It’s about being honest with yourself and others. Often, we hide our true feelings and thoughts because we are scared or worried about what people might think. However, when we keep these things inside, we feel fake and unhappy. Imagine a student in a classroom who never asks questions because he’s afraid the other students will think he’s not smart. Over time, he struggles with understanding the lessons and feels more isolated. But when he starts asking questions, he feels more engaged and learns better. Similarly, by sharing our true thoughts and emotions, we can feel more genuine and connected to ourselves and others. If someone feels sad but pretends to be happy all the time, the sadness doesn’t go away; it just builds up inside. Talking about feelings openly can lead to better relationships and a happier life. So, don't keep things bottled up; expressing your true self is important for your well-being.