"たとえ他人の嘲笑を受ける危険を冒してでも、自分自身に嘘をついて自らの嫌悪を招くよりも、自分自身に正直でありたい。"
— Frederick Douglass
Simplified Meaning:
Imagine you are deciding whether to wear something you love, like a bright, unusual shirt, even though you know others might laugh at you for it. It’s like saying it’s better to wear what makes you happy, even if others make fun of you, than to wear something you don’t like just to fit in. When you choose to be yourself and follow your own values, you’re living honestly and staying true to who you are. If you try to be someone you’re not, just to avoid criticism, you might end up feeling bad about yourself because you aren't being genuine. Over time, this can make you dislike yourself because you're always pretending. In life, it’s more important to respect yourself and your choices rather than worrying too much about what others think. By being true to yourself, you maintain your integrity and self-respect, which is valuable for your happiness and confidence.
