Blog 19: Miami Advice

I have received a lot of advice over the years, and, to be quite honest, most of it goes in one ear and out the other. Who knows why? Maybe some of it isn’t good, and some of it I just forget. But out of the static, one piece of advice has emerged and stuck with me: Esse Quam Videri.

It’s Latin. I’m sorry if that’s pretentious, but for whatever reason, that little sound byte is embedded within my brain. The basic translation is “To be, rather than to seem (to be).” This idea, to me, sums up everything worthwhile and righteous in life. If you have a goal, you have to work hard for it. To win the golf tournament, I have to practice harder and longer than everyone else. To ace the calculus quiz, you have to know your stuff.

In other words, don’t fake it. You are not made better by appearing magnanimous and intelligent and caring and humble; rather, you must truly be those things. Nothing good comes free, and that is why this advice and/or motto has resonated with me, and will continue to do so.

P.S.: Fans of the Colbert Report: the next time you see Stephen’s fireplace set, check the mantel for the inscription “Videri Quam Esse.” Recognize the inverted meaning. Smile knowingly.

P.P.S.: I'm sorry for the title. I know it's terrible and unrelated to the blog. Deal with it.