"في اللحظة التي تتوقف فيها عن أن تكون نفسك، تفشل"

Being true to oneself is the essence of the quote. It underscores the idea that authenticity is key to living a fulfilling life. The moment you stop being genuine, you lose something integral to your being. It's like wearing a mask—sure, it might fit for a while, but it gets uncomfortable, and eventually, it will slip, revealing the truth underneath.

Think back to the historical context of the mid-20th century. This idea might resonate with the existentialist movement. Philosophers like Jean-Paul Sartre argued the importance of authenticity in a world that often demands conformity. Sartre believed that we are condemned to be free, meaning we must create our own essence through choices. If we stop making genuine choices, we essentially fail in our existence.

Now, let’s take it to a personal level with a real-life example. Picture an artist who starts with a unique style. Her paintings are raw, emotional, and true to her experiences. People love them because they're different and honest. But then, she notices that the market favors a different kind of art—more commercial, less personal. She changes her style to fit in. Sales might increase for a while, but something is missing. Her passion dwindles, and her work becomes a chore. She’s no longer creating from the heart but painting by numbers to please others. Her work loses its soul, and eventually, she feels lost. Her initial success dwindles because she stopped being herself.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? Stay true to what you believe. It’s easier said than done, right? But think about what you love, what excites you, what makes you uniquely you. Don’t chase trends or try to be someone you’re not just because it seems like the easier path. It’s exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling. Surround yourself with people who appreciate you for who you are. They’ll support you in staying true to yourself, even when it's tough.

Imagine you’re at a high school reunion. You bump into an old friend who always wanted to be a writer. Back then, he was passionate, scribbling stories in notebooks during lunch. But when you ask him about it, he says he’s in finance now because it’s what everyone expected of him. There’s a sadness in his eyes—a flicker of what could have been. He admits he hasn’t written a word in years and misses it every day. But he’s trapped, feeling like it’s too late to change.

That’s exactly what the quote warns against. Don’t let societal expectations or fear make you abandon your true self. If you love writing, write. If you love painting, paint. Authenticity shines through, and while the path might be harder, it’s infinitely more rewarding.

Staying true to yourself is a journey, not a destination. It’s about making choices every day that align with who you are. So next time you find yourself at a crossroads, ask: am I doing this for me, or for what others might think of me? The answer should guide you back to your authentic self.