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"見た目に騙されないでください。いつも一つだけです。"

Haruki Murakami
Haruki Murakami Novelist
Translations
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Quote meaning
Sometimes, the way things look on the surface can be deceiving. The core idea here is simple: things aren't always what they seem, and often, at the heart of it, there's a single truth or solution. It’s a reminder to dig deeper and not get swept away by what's immediately visible.

Historically, this advice has been relevant over and over again. Think about the ancient story of the Trojan Horse. The Greeks presented this giant wooden horse as a gift, but inside, there were soldiers waiting to attack once it was brought within the city walls. The Trojans were fooled by appearances and paid dearly for it. This quote speaks to that kind of situation—where there's a hidden truth beneath the obvious.

Now, let’s bring this into a real-life example. Say you're at a car dealership. The shiny, brand-new sports car catches your eye. It's sleek, the color is just right, and you can almost feel the wind in your hair driving it. But then, you pop the hood. The engine looks fine, but a mechanic friend of yours checks it out and finds out that it's got a terrible maintenance history, and it's likely to break down in a few months. Here, appearances were deceiving—what you really wanted was a reliable car, not just one that looked great.

So, how can you apply this wisdom? Start by training yourself to look beyond the surface. When you're faced with a decision, take a moment to gather more information. Ask questions, do some research, get second opinions. Whether you're shopping for a car, hiring someone for a job, or even choosing friends, remember that the first impression might not be the whole story.

Imagine you're at a dinner party and you meet someone who’s impeccably dressed and speaks with charm. They seem like the life of the party. But as the evening goes on, you notice they're not really listening to anyone, just talking about themselves and their achievements. Despite their polished exterior, maybe they're not as genuine as they seemed. On the flip side, someone who at first seems quiet and unremarkable might turn out to be incredibly kind and interesting once you get to know them.

This concept can also be a lesson in humility and patience. Resist the urge to make snap judgments. Give situations and people the benefit of time and scrutiny. Think of it as peeling an onion—each layer reveals something new, and you need to get past the surface to find the core.

In essence, remember that beneath the layers of complexity, glitz, and glamour, there's usually just one fundamental truth. Find it, and you'll make better decisions, build more genuine relationships, and avoid unnecessary pitfalls. It's like learning to see with an X-ray vision—through the surface into what really matters.

So next time something seems too good to be true, or even too bad, give it a closer look. You might find that the reality is simpler—and more profound—than it first appeared.
Related tags
Deception Identity Illusion Insight Meaning Perception Philosophy Reality Truth Wisdom
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