Meaning & Analysis
One's true character and internal self should be identical to the persona they present to the outside world.
Insights
Call for Authenticity
Advocates for living a life of integrity and genuineness, where one's actions, beliefs, and public appearance are in complete harmony. It is a call to be true to oneself.
Rejection of Hypocrisy
Functions as a direct condemnation of hypocrisy and deceit. It warns against projecting a virtuous or favorable image that conceals a contrary reality, emphasizing that true worth lies in substance, not pretense.
Aspiration and Self-Improvement
Can be interpreted as a principle for personal growth and self-actualization. If you wish to be perceived in a certain way (e.g., as wise, brave, or kind), you must actively cultivate those qualities within yourself.
Foundation of Social Trust
Underpins the basis of social trust. Society functions on the assumption that people are generally who they appear to be; the proverb reinforces this social contract, highlighting that a disconnect between being and seeming erodes relationships and community.
Classical and Renaissance Ideal
Rooted in classical wisdom, notably from Erasmus, and heavily featured in Renaissance literature, including Shakespeare's 'Othello', the proverb reflects a deep humanist concern with virtue, honor, and the alignment of one's inner self with their public reputation.
Psychological Congruence
From a psychological standpoint, the proverb addresses the concept of cognitive dissonance. A large gap between one's true self ('being') and public persona ('seeming') can cause internal conflict, whereas aligning them promotes psychological well-being and integrity.
Critique of Superficiality
The proverb serves as a critique of social superficiality, implicitly warning against a culture that values appearance over substance. It champions genuine character as the foundation of a trustworthy and functional society.
Existential Authenticity
Philosophically, it touches on existential themes of authenticity and self-creation. It suggests that identity is not merely about perception but is forged through a conscious effort to make one's actions and character consistent with one's ideals.
Rhetorical Devices
Imperative Mood
The proverb is structured as a direct command, using the imperative 'Be'. This gives it a strong, didactic tone, presenting it as a moral injunction rather than a mere observation.
Antithesis
A powerful contrast is established between the concepts of 'be' (reality, essence) and 'seem' (appearance, perception), which encapsulates the central tension between authenticity and artifice.
Parallelism
The balanced structure of 'Be what...' and '...seem to be' creates a memorable and rhythmic phrase, making the advice more impactful and easy to recall.
Transcription
Quotations
Cura esse, quod audis.
Se thou be that thou arte reported and borne in hande to be.
Yet inward stuffe, (of vertue) doth excell . . It loves to be, much better then to seeme.
A man ought to indevour to bee suche a one, as hee desireth to seeme to bee.
But rather ioyd to bee then seemen sich.
O woulde the gods had made mee as I seeme to be [a boy], or that I might safelie lie what I seeme not.
Be the same thing thow wold be called.
Thou seem’st an honest soldier; pray thee then, Be as thou seem’st.
Seem not greater than thou art.
Be the same thing that thou wald be cald.
(One ought to be such, as one would).
[As in 1641 Ferg.].
Be what you seem, and seem what you are.
(Be as you would).
What you would seem to be, be really.
Shakespeare Citations
That we were all, as some would seem to be, Free from our faults, as from faults seeming free!
Men should be what they seem; Or those that be not, would they might seem none! —Certain, men should be what they seem.
Be that you seem, truly your country’s friend.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.