“Be as you wish to seem.”
- 470 BC – 399 BC
- Born in Athens, ancient Greece
- Philosopher
- Teacher of Plato, who contributed to the development of ethics and dialectics
Quote
“Be as you wish to seem.”
Explanation
This quote from Socrates emphasizes the idea of authenticity and the importance of aligning one’s inner self with their outward actions. Socrates suggests that rather than pretending to be something or someone we are not, we should strive to become the qualities we wish to project. If we want to appear virtuous, wise, or honorable to others, we must actually embody those qualities, not simply imitate them. This calls for a life of integrity, where our behavior and character reflect our true values, rather than relying on superficial appearances or external validation.
Historically, Socrates critiqued the tendency in his time for people to focus more on reputation and outward perceptions rather than on cultivating true virtue. In Ancient Greece, social status was often determined by appearances, and many individuals focused on how they were perceived rather than on their actual moral character. Socrates, however, believed that the most important thing was to live according to virtue and that if one focused on inner goodness, their true character would naturally be reflected in their outward behavior. To “be as you wish to seem” was his way of advocating for a genuine, virtuous life that aligned with one’s values.
In the modern world, this quote encourages us to examine the gap between our intentions and actions. In an age where social media and external appearances often take precedence, Socrates reminds us that true fulfillment comes from being genuine and living authentically. If we wish to be seen as compassionate, wise, or courageous, we must first cultivate those qualities within ourselves. This approach leads to greater self-respect and lasting impact, as our true character is not just a reflection of how we want to be seen, but how we live and act in the world.
