(Read it if you have the time)
There was a short passage that has inspired me to create a post.
Men in general judge by their eyes rather than by their hands; because
everyone is in a position to watch, few are in a position to come to close touch
with you. Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you
really are...
When I read this I was deeply inspired because just a few weeks ago I was saying something very similar to the last sentence of this quote, ofcourse, not in the same context as Machiavelli, but my meaning was the same.
I was discussing myself and how there are many around me that see the "Princess" I show them. Oh, don't get me wrong, they do see the real Princess, I'm no phony so don't get it twisted.
What I mean is, when I'm around people I they always see me well composed and on top of my game. They see me in high spirits with my renowned smile on and my eyes bright and glossy.
I'm a people person and everyone who knows me knows that.
I can work a crowd and a classroom.
I can talk money out of womens wallets at my job in the mall.
I'm a hard worker and a very motivated person.
Okie enough bragging Princess
Sorry, back to Machiavelli... That is what Machiavelli refers to as "Everyone sees what you appear to be..."
But guess what ya'll?
There are times when I'm not feeling like that "Princess" at all. There are times when I'm frustrated and overwhelmed.
There are times when I don't make the best decisions. I become so angry and/or confused and I make very irrational decisions.
There are times when I cry
Say word?
I'm so serious.
There is one person that gets to experience who I really am; at those moments when I'm not really feeling the usual Princess.
This excerpt from Machiavelli's text means much more then this, but this was the first way I was drawn to it.
The second thing I derived from this quote was the negative connotations my brothers and sisters deal with in our lives. Everyone always judging us with their eyes and very few experience what we really are. And how much pain do we have to endure before who we really are is recognized?
6 comments:
So So true! We are judged by other see. These looks are often deceiving but that's the way of the world. It's why we have racial profiling. I think that we have some (and I emphasize "some") control over how others perceive us. In the end, all that matters is that you are true to yourself. I'm drifting as I type so I'll stop. Hey, JB!
The Prince should be required reading for all students of life....
JB unfortunately we are judged by what others see and yet the same ones who do seldom see themselves as being just as vulnerable.
Thanks for the tip on the book. I need something inspiring to read.
Yea, I had a chance to read the Prince a few years ago and you are right on point.
Truthfully, we can go our entire lives without being truly recognized. This is why our recognition must first come from self. An old Nigerian proverb says, "Tis sorry the frog who does not praise his own croak".
damn, Rahman, you're cerebral!;-) If you were a babe, you'd be doing things to me now;-))
Steady on...
OK: I'm with Stephen on being the person you can be. I have personally given up on appearances, cos I know the deceptiveness associated with it all to well.
I don't think it's as much about pain--as you say--than about a "tribulation". These are the things that make us better people. Far from sounding hackneyed and platitudinous, I think it's important we understand that these things you talk about are important to acknowledge, but we should soon dismiss them, and look at the bigger picture of HOW much of a contribution we can make in people's lifes, and, by extension, the world.
DOn't go trying to do the Billy Joel, by "trying to please me"; just be your effing self, no matter what that might be...
(i'm off my soapbox now!).
ouch!
;-))
Brother Stephen...
I agree we do have some control over how people perceive us.
But only to those who don't prejudge people.
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Amen Sista Alli...
Everyone can be judged. None of us have amnesty from that.
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No problem Brotha Buck. Share your thoughts with me after you read it.
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Brother Rahman...
Thanks for that beautiful quote.
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Brother Emmanuel....
Thank you for your thoughts.
What about those people who are disadvantaged and don't have the chance to have a great impact on the world?
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