"Ningún hombre puede por un período considerable llevar una cara para sí mismo y otra para la multitud sin finalmente quedar desconcertado sobre cuál puede ser la verdadera."

When someone tries to present a different face to the world than the one they show to themselves, they eventually get confused about who they really are. It’s like living a double life—putting on one mask for public appearances and another when alone—until the lines blur and you can’t tell which is the real you anymore.

This idea isn’t new. Nathaniel Hawthorne, who wrote this quote, lived in the 1800s, a time when societal expectations and personal integrity were hot topics. He saw a lot of people struggling to maintain a facade to fit in or be accepted while hiding their true selves. This duality could drive a person to mental and emotional exhaustion, even leading to an identity crisis.

Let’s think about a real-life example. Picture a politician who’s always in the public eye. In the spotlight, they advocate for honesty and transparency. But behind closed doors, they engage in shady deals or betray the very values they preach. Over time, the politician might start believing their own lies. They might justify their actions, thinking they’re still the honest person they claim to be, despite evidence to the contrary.

How do you apply this wisdom in your life? Simple: be authentic. It’s okay to have a public persona, but keep it close to your true self. Reflect on your values and actions regularly to make sure they align. If you catch yourself pretending or trying to be someone you’re not, step back and reassess. Being genuine spares you the mental gymnastics of maintaining multiple personas.

Imagine you’re at work, striving for a promotion. You’re naturally laid-back and humorous, but you think the boss wants serious and stern. So, you put on your “serious hat” every day, suppressing your natural humor. It works for a while—you get some recognition. But you start feeling stressed and disconnected from your colleagues, who don’t know the real you. Eventually, you might even forget what it feels like to be genuine at work. The stress of wearing this mask could affect your home life, too.

Now, what if you tried a different approach? Bring your natural humor into your professional life in a respectful way. Use it to build relationships and diffuse tension. You can still be professional and meet your goals without hiding your true self. You’d feel more relaxed, and your colleagues would appreciate your authenticity. Plus, it’s easier to maintain one face than two.

Living authentically doesn’t mean revealing every part of yourself to everyone—it’s about consistency. It’s about knowing who you are and staying true to that, even when it’s challenging. So next time you’re tempted to put on a mask, think about the long-term consequences. Who do you want to be, really? Keeping that in mind can help you stay grounded in your true self, no matter the audience or situation.