"عليك أن تقرر من أنت وتجبر العالم على التعامل معك، وليس مع فكرته عنك."
— James Baldwin
Simplified Meaning:
It's important to be true to yourself and let others know the real you, rather than letting them see you as they imagine or wish you to be. Think of an artist who has a unique style. Instead of changing their work to please others or fit popular trends, they continue to create art that expresses who they really are. This can sometimes mean facing criticism or being misunderstood, but it's more important to stay authentic. By being yourself, you teach others how to interact with the real you and not some made-up version. For instance, if you're someone who values honesty, make sure you always speak the truth, even if it's hard. Over time, people will learn to expect this honesty from you and respect you for it. Applying this to your life means standing up for your beliefs and values, even if it's not the easy choice. It requires courage but helps you build strong, genuine relationships and live a life that's true to who you are inside.