“Authenticity is, at its heart, the recognition of what you truly need”
— Gabor Mate
Simplified Meaning:
Being authentic is about understanding and accepting what you genuinely want and need in life. Imagine a student who dreams of becoming an artist but feels pressured to study law because their family expects it. If the student listens to their true desires, they might choose to follow their passion for art instead of doing what others expect. By recognizing what truly matters to them, they find happiness and fulfillment. In another example, think of someone who prefers a simple life but feels they need to buy expensive things to impress others. If they stop trying to please everyone else and focus on what truly makes them happy, they might realize they don't need those luxury items. Instead, they might find joy in spending time with loved ones or pursuing hobbies. So, being true to yourself means knowing and accepting your real needs and desires, not just following what others think you should do. This makes life more satisfying and helps you achieve personal happiness.