"人々が本当に考えていることを知るには、彼らが言うことよりも、彼らがすることに注意を払うことです。"

People often reveal their true feelings through their actions, not their words. It's easy to say something, but actions are harder to fake. They show our priorities, our values, and our true intentions.

This idea isn't new. It's been around for ages because it’s grounded in reality. Think about it: when someone says they care about the environment but drives a gas-guzzling SUV and never recycles, what does that tell you? Their actions contradict their words.

Take the example of a boss who claims to value their employees' well-being. They might say all the right things during meetings. But if they consistently disregard employees' work-life balance, pile on unreasonable deadlines, or ignore pleas for support, their actions speak louder than their words. The employees will quickly realize what’s really valued in that workplace.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Start by observing the people around you. If you're trying to figure out if someone is trustworthy, don't just listen to their promises. Watch how they behave over time. Do they follow through? Do their actions match their commitments?

Imagine you’re dating someone new. They say they're really into you, but they cancel plans last minute, never initiate hangouts, and their phone seems to be more important than you. What are their actions telling you? Probably that their interest isn't as deep as their words suggest.

Here's a relatable story: my friend Sarah once had a colleague, Tom, who always talked about teamwork. He’d say, “We’re all in this together,” and “Teamwork makes the dream work.” But when a big project came up, Tom hoarded information and only shared it at the last minute, making the rest of the team scramble. He took credit for others' ideas and rarely helped out when the workload was uneven. Sarah and her colleagues quickly learned not to trust Tom’s words about teamwork. His actions made it clear he was all about himself.

To use this insight, be mindful of consistency. If you want to know someone’s true character, watch for patterns in their behavior. It’s not about catching someone out in a lie—it’s about understanding what’s important to them and how they really operate.

In your own life, let your actions back up your words. If you promise to help a friend move, show up on moving day. If you value punctuality, don’t be the one who’s always late. People will respect you more for it, and you’ll build a reputation of reliability and integrity.

In the end, actions are a clearer window into someone’s soul. Words can be sweet or persuasive, but they’re just that—words. Next time you’re unsure about someone’s intentions, don’t just listen. Watch what they do. You’ll discover the truth more often than not.