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[To access past Gracian aphorism's and my subjective interpretation of them, click here.] Baltasar Gracian's aphorism #297: Always act as if your Acts were seen. He must see all round who sees that men see him or will see him. He knows that walls have ears and that ill deeds rebound back. Even when alone he acts as if the eyes of the whole world were upon him. For as he knows that sooner or later all will be known, so he considers those to be present as witnesses who must afterwards hear of the deed. He that wished the whole world might always see him did not mind that his neighbours could see him over their walls. My interpretation: always act as though you are being watched so that you never slip out of character. Although I understand the general wisdom of this aphorism, I have difficulty with a literal interpretation. I value privacy highly. I would not like living as though the world were watching. What would it be like to have the world watch me make love to my husband, to shower, to cry over terrible news, to have a bad day, to laugh at a photo that has special meaning... Some things are meant for me (or us) and me (or us) alone. I will not share the core of myself with others; only with the few I love. The part of the aphorism with which I agree is that you should never be different in your character -- your beliefs, fundamental attitudes and fairness -- simply because you are being watched or not. Other people do not or should not determine who you are. If they do -- if the presence of others is what makes you act in a "good" manner -- then your actions are lies, your public persona is a lie.. Character should be such a deeply ingrained habit that you wake up and fall asleep with it every day. Indeed, you don't wake up to it at all...it is just you. But, again, Gracian has a lesson to teach. Every once in awhile ask yourself "how would I be acting right now if someone else were watching?" Is the response something trivial -- like "sit up straighter!" -- or something profound -- like "don't show interest in this book or article?" The answers can provide insight. Nevertheless, touch lightly on this theme in case it edges into paranoia. | |
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