"人物になるより人になる方が良い"

Being a person, rather than a personage, is all about embracing authenticity over superficial appearances. The idea here is pretty simple: it's better to be genuinely yourself than to play a role just to impress others. Imagine you're at a party. You could be the person who is trying too hard, dropping names and pretending to be someone you're not, just to fit in—or you could be the one who's real, sharing your true thoughts, even if they're not always popular. Which one do you think people will remember? Most likely, the latter.

This concept isn't new. It echoes through history, especially when you look at figures who were celebrated for their authenticity. Think about Abraham Lincoln. He was known for his honesty, which earned him the nickname "Honest Abe." He didn’t put on airs or pretend to be something he wasn't. Even when it wasn't the popular choice, he stuck to his values. This is a historical example of valuing being a real person over a polished persona.

Now let's bring this idea into a modern, real-life scenario. Imagine you're at work, surrounded by colleagues who are always putting on a show of confidence and competence, even if they don't always know what they're doing. You, on the other hand, decide to be straightforward about what you know and don't know. You ask questions, you admit when you need help, and you share your ideas without fear of them being shot down. Over time, your coworkers start to see you as genuinely trustworthy and reliable. Eventually, this authenticity could lead to more meaningful connections and even career advancement because people value realness over pretense.

So, how do you put this wisdom into practice? Start by taking a good, hard look at where you might be wearing a mask. Are there areas in your life where you're acting a part, rather than being true to yourself? Try to peel back those layers. It might be uncomfortable at first, but the benefits are worth it. When you’re in a conversation, listen more than you speak. Share your true thoughts and feelings, even if they’re not perfectly polished. And remember, it's okay to be vulnerable. It's okay not to have all the answers. People connect with honesty and openness.

Let’s bring it down to a relatable story. Picture this: you're at a family reunion, and everyone is trying to present a picture-perfect image of their lives. Your cousin's talking about his high-paying job, your sister is bragging about her kids' achievements, and your aunt is showcasing her latest vacation. Instead of joining in the one-upmanship, you decide to be real. You talk about the challenges you're facing at work, the struggles you're having with balancing life and personal goals. It's a little scary, but you notice something amazing. People start opening up to you in return. They share their own difficulties, their own real stories. What started as a superficial gathering turns into a meaningful exchange.

In the end, being a person, not a personage, creates deeper, more genuine connections. It makes you memorable in the best way possible—not for the facade you put on, but for the real, flawed, and wonderful human being you are. So next time you're tempted to play a part, think twice. Just be you.