"Il ne croit pas celui qui ne vit pas selon ses croyances."

Beliefs are the foundation of our actions. When someone truly holds a belief, their actions align with it naturally. If there’s a disconnect—if what they do doesn’t match what they claim to believe—well, it’s fair to question the authenticity of that belief.

Let’s look at this idea in a bit of context. Imagine someone in medieval times, loudly proclaiming their faith in a particular religion. But then you catch them sneaking off, performing rituals from a completely different faith. You’d probably think, “Hey, do they actually believe what they’re preaching?” This quote is getting at that exact issue—if you don’t live by what you say you believe, do you really believe it at all?

Here’s a modern-day example to nail this down. Think about a friend who’s always talking about the importance of healthy eating. Every conversation, she’s on about organic this and whole foods that. But whenever you see her out, she’s chowing down on fast food and sugary snacks. You start wondering—does she really believe in healthy eating, or is it all just talk?

So, how can you apply this bit of wisdom? Start by taking a good look at your own beliefs and actions. Are they in sync? If you believe in being environmentally friendly, for example, do you recycle, reduce waste, and avoid plastic? Or do you find yourself slipping, using single-use plastics out of convenience? The first step is awareness—recognize where your actions don’t match your beliefs. Then, make conscious choices every day to bridge that gap.

Here’s a relatable scenario. Picture a guy named Mike. Mike believes that family is everything. He’s always saying how important it is to spend time with loved ones and to cherish every moment. But Mike’s job is demanding, and he often works late, missing family dinners and weekends. One day, his daughter’s big soccer game comes up. Mike’s got a crucial meeting at the same time. Now, if Mike truly believes in the importance of family, he’ll find a way to be at that game. Maybe he talks to his boss, rearranges his schedule, or even takes a hit at work.

His decision—whether he’s in the stands cheering or stuck in the office—will show where his true beliefs lie. If he’s at the game, it’s clear he values family over work. If he’s at the meeting, his actions suggest work might be more important to him, despite what he says.

In the end, aligning your actions with your beliefs isn’t always easy. Life’s messy, and sometimes we slip up. But it’s worth the effort because it helps you live authentically. When your actions reflect your beliefs, you’re not just talking the talk—you’re walking the walk. And that’s when people see the real you, and you start to feel more in tune with yourself. If you ever find yourself wondering about someone else’s beliefs, look at what they do, not just what they say. Actions really do speak louder than words.