Natty Chatter

In these times, the world wants to convince us that perception is better than reality. It is better to be perceived as cool, hip, trendy, and wealthy than set out to achieve those attributes because it is easier and faster. In fact, the world even goes as far to eliminate the real for reality is based perception. A quick browse through the media shows all these "shortcuts" to the dreams and goals we have.

However, the problem lies in the fact that perception only holds on for the short term. For instance, getting that brand new luxury car or Armani suit gives the perception of wealth and perhaps status but only for a while unless one continues the trend. That is to say once it becomes perceived that the luxury car or suit becomes your sole possession then reality is revealed.

Another more practical model is the way we present ourselves to and act towards others in both professional and social settings. In professional settings, giving the perception of leadership maybe inspiring but it is lacking to an actual leader. Or in the instance of having the actual skill set is preferable to being perceived to have that same skill set. After all, the perception of a skill can not accomplish the objective if one does not have the skill. For instance, having the perception of being a good negotiator does not help if one can not actually negotiate deals. If anything the result of a false perception is more likely to bring misfortune and stress.

Meanwhile in social settings for men, the perception of being charming and gentlemanly is lacking in comparison to being truly charming and gentlemanly. Sure it is easier to act and give the perception of these qualities but eventually one's true nature, that is reality, sets in and conflict arises. Similarly, darker colors may give the perception of being slimmer but lacks in comparison with being slim.

Given that perception is fleeting and reality always around the corner, the world responds with that you should continually monitor and maintain the momentum of the perception that you have created. Essentially, perpetuating a falsehood continually which only increases in difficulty compared to setting out to achieve the reality in the first place.

Going back to the perception of being wealthy, the cost of maintaining the image requires considerable resources which will inevitably cause strife, misery, and ultimately shame for the non-wealthy. Equally, the perception of being charming requires constant acting which becomes a burden of itself compared to one being really charming.

Therefore, what we should advocate for is the reality of ourselves and others. Now I realize that reality is quite an eye opener compared to the fairy tale perception we enjoy. But considering the liberating freedom of reality, it would be wiser to err on the side of being real in interactions than acting.

In closing, let me do say this, being real may be the ultimate goal but there is a time and place for the reality to be expressed. The when, where, and how much reality is presented is just as important as the reality itself. The proportioning of reality is also of paramount but that is a topic for another day.