When you are Real, shabbiness doesn't matter.
Interpretation
Being true to oneself is more important than outward appearances.
The quote suggests that authenticity and being genuine define value far more than superficial traits or material conditions. When someone embraces their true self, external factors like shabbiness or societal norms become less significant, highlighting the essence of personal integrity and self-acceptance.
In practice
In a graduation speech to encourage students to embrace their true selves.
Real isn't how you are made. It's a thing that happens to you. Sometimes it hurts, but when you are Real you don't mind being hurt. It doesn't happen all at once. You become. Once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand. Once you are Real you can't become unreal again. It lasts for always.
Real isn't how you are made," said the Skin Horse. "It's a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real." "Does it hurt?" asked the Rabbit. "Sometimes," said the Skin Horse, for he was always truthful. "When you are Real you don't mind being hurt.
He didn't mind how he looked to other people, because the nursery magic had made him Real, and when you are Real shabbiness doesn't matter.
When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.
Generally, by the time you are Real, most of your hair has been loved off, and your eyes drop out and you get loose in the joints and very shabby. But these things don't matter at all, because once you are Real you can't be ugly, except to people who don't understand.
Multiculturalism isn't just a buzzword; it's not just something to debate - I am multiculturalism.
In your reaction to an imagined attack on your country or an insult to its government, you draw closer to the herd for protection, you conform in word and deed, and you insist vehemently that everybody else shall think, speak, and act together. And you fix your adoring gaze upon the State, with a truly filial look, as upon the Father of the flock.
It is always sad to leave a place to which one knows one will never return.
The certain mark by which a Christian community can be recognized is the preaching of the gospel in its purity.
Experience by itself is not science.
Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, but trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face.
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