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The Heartbreaking Cost of Being Real in a Society Which Rewards Frauds
Is it worth selling your soul? For many, it apparently is. Not for me. Let’s talk
In two months I turn 70. One of the most marvelous things about emotional maturity is that I don’t give a flying twattle what others think about my age; I have always been very upfront about it, rather than simper and dodge and try to misrepresent myself.
That’s true of a lot of other things, too, including achievements and my resume, what I do in the world and the way I stumble, bumble and make an unholy mess of so much of my life. That is authentic.
It doesn’t pay, either.
These days, fake pays. But being a fake costs a lot more in ways we don’t consider, which is why I wanted to share this story.
First, let’s define:
Put simply, authenticity means you’re true to your own personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure that you’re under to act otherwise. You’re honest with yourself and with others, and you take responsibility for your mistakes. Your values, ideals, and actions align.