Authenticity
/ˌɔːθɛnˈtɪsɪti/
ON A MORNING WALK IN DUBROVNIC, SOUTHERN CROATIA, 2019
Oxford Learner´s Dictionaries
authenticity
noun
/ˌɔːθenˈtɪsəti/
the quality of being true or what somebody claims it is
At times, when I appreciate someone or something vastly different from my own perspective, I realize it comes from a sense of authenticity I detect. In a world increasingly driven by curated online personas and societal pressures to conform, the concept of authenticity has never been more crucial. But what does it truly mean to be authentic? Is being true to oneself not just a personal virtue, but a powerful force for positive change?
etymology
The word "authenticity" is derived from the adjective "authentic," which comes from the Greek word "authentikos" (αὐθεντικός) - "original, genuine, principal".
This Greek word is composed of two parts:
"autos" meaning "self"
"hentes" meaning "doer, being " - The combined meaning suggests someone or something "acting on one's own authority".
Gary Snyder, the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and environmental activist, associates authenticity with our inner wildness; unintimidated, self-reliant, and spontaneous.
It is captured by ancient Daoist philosophy as being beyond categories, self-authenticating, and playful. Daoism, an Eastern philosophy emphasizing harmony with the natural world and the cultivation of inner wisdom, views authenticity as a state of being in tune with one's true nature. Reflecting a way of being that is true to one's essence, unbound by societal constraints or expectations, and in harmony with the natural flow of life.
The renowned Canadian physician and Holocaust survivor Dr. Gabor Maté who has made significant contributions to the fields of addiction, stress, and childhood development highlights in his book “The myth of normal” that the prerequisite for living authentically is to actually know who we are. While stating that this is not the same as trying to improve oneself according to external measures in a haze of self-optimization, he describes authenticity as:
“… the quality of being true to oneself, and the capacity to shape one’s own life from a deep knowledge of that self. (What may not be apparent is that authenticity is not some strict aspiration, no mere luxury for new agers dabbling in self-improvement).”
This intuitive understanding of authenticity is strongly supported by scientific research:
A study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who reported higher levels of authenticity also reported greater life satisfaction, self-esteem, and lower levels of stress and anxiety.
A meta-analysis of 75 studies found that authenticity was positively associated with various indicators of well-being, including life satisfaction, positive affect, and self-esteem.
In the workplace, authenticity has been linked to increased performance and job satisfaction . A study published in the Journal of Business Ethics found that employees who felt they could be their authentic selves at work reported higher levels of work engagement and organizational commitment.
These findings not only highlight the personal benefits of authenticity but also underscore its broader significance in our lives.
There are compelling benefits to striving for authenticity:
Greater self-actualization: Embracing authenticity allows us to fully realize our unique potential, leading to higher self-esteem and a stronger sense of purpose.
Deeper, more meaningful relationships: Authenticity fosters genuine connections based on honesty and vulnerability, creating a support network that nurtures our growth and potential.
Unleashed creativity: By being true to ourselves, we unlock our innate creative abilities, leading to innovative thinking and unique contributions to the world.
Profound fulfillment: Living authentically aligns our actions with our core values, resulting in a deep sense of satisfaction and purpose beyond external achievements.
Enhanced resilience and well-being: Authenticity reduces internal conflicts, promoting emotional stability and psychological strength, enabling us to face life's challenges with greater ease.
It amazes me how we humans are willing to bend our authentic nature, often to the point of losing sight of ourselves. In the pursuit of being something we are not, we become disconnected from our essence and our feelings, growing insecure about our own truths.
Striving for recognition in a competitive world filled with noise, we often cover up our innate wisdom and trade our soul connection for acknowledgment. As Dr. Maté explains:
“At its most concrete and pragmatic it means simply this: knowing our gut feelings when they arise and honoring them.”
In this regard, much of nature appears to be one step ahead of us. Unlike humans, it's unlikely that an oak tree dreams of having the flexibility of bamboo, or that a fish frets about its inability to climb a tree. As the famous saying goes:
“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”
We set ourselves up for frustration when we strive for an outer life story that looks good but does not align with who we truly are. The power of living authentically lies in being loyal to ourselves, aligning with our instincts and personal truths.
Authenticity entails embracing our uniqueness rather than conforming to societal standards, staying grounded in our principles despite external pressures.
These societal measures can be difficult to resist, as we often base our self-worth on being seen by others rather than by ourselves. After over two decades in the fashion business, I know how easy it is to get hooked on approval, driven to impress those who acknowledge our talents.
At times it has turned out to be a fine line for me between co-creating and feeling exploited when my shaky sense of authenticity lured me into following the siren call of external appreciation.
Somewhere along the way, lacking true self-esteem, I lost the stamina to stand up against my surroundings wanting me to be whatever they needed. I found myself losing the connection with myself by becoming hooked on the illusionary connection with others through approval.
In a world where success is often defined by hierarchical power dynamics, standing firm against societal expectations may be one of the greatest challenges we face. As E.E. Cummings, the 20th-century American poet who consistently defied norms in both his life and work, states:
“To be nobody but yourself in a world which is doing its best day and night to make you like everybody else means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight and never stop fighting.”
Covering up our authentic nature with a life story that looks good on the surface, yet doesn't resonate within can feel like the deepest betrayal. It's like living a life that isn't truly ours, following everyone else’s compass but our own.
By trying to set up a mark outside of ourselves we can end up following the coordinates of a GPS to a predefined destination that isn’t ours. Not realizing that we’re considerably missing our authentic mark at a huge cost of deriving from who we naturally are.
Ironically, in our pursuit of external validation and acknowledgment, we often overlook our own innate wisdom and authenticity. Like the beggar in the old fable who sits unknowingly on a box of gold while begging for alms, we search outside ourselves for what we already possess within - the wisdom of our soul, our inner North.
As we align with our inner North, we get ourselves on our original path. Living life fully not being about a path that takes us to a set destination but living in a way that aligns best with who we truly are.
Instead of wanting proof and certainty, before exploring life on our own terms, we might just have to dare take the leap, and as the saying goes “ the net will appear”.
I´ve explored how easy it is to get hooked on a life strategy of constant escape, and my soul was having a hard time being heard in the rush of action beyond the work environment. It materialized as insistently posting photos on social media a few years ago about a relationship I knew deep down wasn’t working. Dragging out facing the music by soothing the pain with positive comments and likes.
This experience of disillusionment reminded me of the wisdom of the Austrian writer Heimito von Doderer, who often explored themes of personal identity and social structures:
“Mature is he who no longer falls for himself.”
This quote resonates as in highlighting that true maturity comes from recognizing and confronting our own self-deceptions, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Tragically, we easily fall for our façade ourselves, not realizing anymore that we are wearing a mask. Turning the process around to a degree of being run by the masks we might succesfully be promoting. We can trap ourselves in being run by a life we have set up as an appealing story, instead of running our life in alignment with our authentic being.
Recently, while spending significant time in hospital waiting rooms due to my parents' health issues, I engaged in conversations with the wisdom of many elderly individuals who opted for human interaction over screen time.
Their timeless advice for living the best possible life usually boiled down to two points:
"Be true to yourself."
"You will regret what you have not done more than what you have done.”
Some suggestions, how to cultivate authenticity:
Practice self-reflection: Regularly set aside time to examine your thoughts, feelings, and motivations. Consider journaling or a meditation practice.
Identify and challenge societal expectations: Recognize external pressures and evaluate whether they align with your true self.
Embrace vulnerability: Allow yourself to be seen, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Set boundaries: Learn to say no to things that don't align with your values or authentic self.
Cultivate self-compassion: Be kind to yourself as you navigate the journey of authenty. Don´t hold your past against yourself. Meet yourself where you are.
Potential indicators of living authentically:
Feeling congruent in your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Experiencing a sense of ease and flow in daily life.
Having the courage to express unpopular opinions when necessary.
Feeling comfortable with both your strengths and weaknesses.
Making decisions based on internal values rather than external pressures.
Potential challenges of living authentically:
Facing resistance or misunderstanding from others.
Experiencing temporary discomfort as you align with your true self.
Navigating changes in relationships as you become more authentic.
Overcoming ingrained habits and thought patterns.
Balancing authenticity with social and professional responsibilities.
Authenticity is far more than a buzzword—it's fundamental to human flourishing. By embracing our true selves, we enrich our lives and contribute to a more compassionate society.
Though challenging, as it requires confronting societal expectations and our own self-deceptions, staying true to ourselves might be key to living without regrets.
In an era of digital facades and conformity pressures, cultivating authenticity becomes an act of quiet rebellion—reclaiming our humanity and making our unique voices vital. By embracing our authentic selves, we not only transform our own lives but also foster a world that values genuine expression over superficial conformity.
Have you asked yourself:
In what areas of your life do you feel most authentic? Least authentic?
Can you recall a time when being authentic led to a positive outcome, despite initial fears?
What societal expectations do you find most challenging to your authentic self?
How might your relationships change if you were to be more authentic in them?