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About this quote

What does it mean?
People often fail to express their true selves accurately, even when their words sound good.
In plain terms
Our actions look right but do not show who we really are.
What can you take from it?
Authenticity is hard to convey.

Where it applies

  • social interaction
  • career
  • relationships

Putting it to work

  • aligning values with action
  • practicing honesty
  • reducing pretense

Questions to consider

  • Is what you say true?
  • How do you show your hidden self?

Another view

It assumes a fixed hidden self.

More from Matthew Arnold

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