"神はあなたに一つの顔を与えたが、あなたは自分で別の顔を作る。"

The heart of this quote is about authenticity and the masks we put on for the world. It suggests that we are born with a true, natural self—our "God-given face"—but as we go through life, we often create another version of ourselves to show others. This other face is a kind of facade or mask, possibly shaped by societal expectations, personal insecurities, or the desire to fit in.

Historically, this quote is from Shakespeare's play "Hamlet," where the character Hamlet speaks these words to Ophelia as he grapples with themes of deception and appearance versus reality. It's a timeless idea that resonates through the ages because we all struggle, to some extent, with being true to ourselves versus putting on a show for others.

Imagine someone at work who feels pressured to appear confident and competent all the time. They might be struggling with self-doubt or anxiety but feel they have to project an image of control. This person might smile through stress, nod in agreement even when they disagree, and dress in a way that fits a corporate mold rather than expressing their own style. Over time, this mask becomes almost second nature, and they might even forget what their true self looks like.

Applying this wisdom means embracing your true face—being authentic, even when it's hard. Start by recognizing the masks you wear. Are there situations where you feel you can't be yourself? Once you spot these moments, challenge yourself to peel back the mask a little. Maybe it means speaking up when you have a different opinion, or showing vulnerability by sharing your anxieties with a trusted friend.

Think about a time in high school, when fitting in felt like the most important thing in the world. Maybe you wore clothes you didn't like or laughed at jokes that weren't funny to you, just to be part of a certain group. But remember that one friend who marched to the beat of their own drum? They wore what they liked, said what they thought, and didn't seem to care too much about being popular. That person was likely happier and more comfortable in their own skin because they weren't constantly wearing a mask.

By being authentic, you build real connections. People are drawn to genuineness. It’s refreshing in a world full of facades. Sure, it’s scary to show your true self—it makes you vulnerable. But it’s also incredibly freeing. You don't have to keep track of lies or constantly maintain an image. You can just be.

So next time you feel the urge to put on a mask, take a moment. Breathe. Ask yourself if it’s really necessary. What’s the worst that could happen if you showed your true feelings, your real thoughts, your actual self? You might find that people respect you more and that you respect yourself more too.

We all wear masks sometimes. It's almost part of the human experience. But the goal should be to wear them less and less, and let our true faces shine more and more. Remember, the world needs your authentic self, not another mask.