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In an existential sense, the concept of "authenticity" is very confusing for me. Obviously I understand the simple definition of the word, as referring to objects. However when applied to people, I find the idea becomes hazy.
If we are to assume that acting "in-authentically" would be to act in a way inconsistent to ones nature... How would one go about differentiating the parts "authentic" from the parts "inauthentic?"
If we are to also assume that there exists within us, a template of personality or character...And also taking into consideration that (IMO) our personalities and egos are shaped by both nature and nurture. How then does one determine what this "authentic template" consists of?
So therefore if one is not conforming to this simultaneously ambiguous yet rigid definition of ones self does this mean that one is living in-authentically? How does conformity or inflexibility of any type (including the previous behaviour and inclination of self) equal being "authentic" to oneself now?
Quote: figmentfragment said: So therefore if one is not conforming to this simultaneously ambiguous yet rigid definition of ones self does this mean that one is living in-authentically?
Sure, you're correct in that our current state of being is due to both nature and nurture, making every action that we take technically natural or 'authentic'. But nonetheless, we can certainly qualify certain people as being more or less 'fake' than others... what gives?
Perhaps the measure of authenticity should not be so much whether or not one is acting in accordance to one's nature, but rather how much a person is honest about their own intentions and motives. If we see a person attempting to manipulate others by professing false beliefs and inclinations (such as being popular by back-stabbing others or pretending to conform to a certain ideal), we see them as not authentic. Conversely, a person who means what they say and is open to others is.
-------------------- We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.
I don't think that authenticity has anything to do with one's intentions, but with how they're getting there. Being authentic usually means, for me at least, someone whose actions are mostly different than the actions and perspectives of the majority (that depending on cultural context as well), someone whose level of intelligence seems to be higher, and someone who's being innovative and acknowledges their continuous change, and, of course, acting accordingly. But this description can fit both people who are being honest about themselves and those who are being manipulative.
-------------------- All this time I've loved you
And never known your face
All this time I've missed you
And searched this human race
Here is true peace
Here my heart knows calm
Safe in your soul
Bathed in your sighs
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