Reflection 3

In reading The Prince, this week, one of the prevalent motifs really stood out to me. The message that Machiavelli seemed to push was that the image of being something is more important than actually being something. Specifically, he claimed appearing “virtuous” is more important than actually being a “virtuous” leader. I started to apply this notion in other parts of life, specifically in academia. After reading Lost in the Meritocracy I saw a similar theme: in contemporary academic culture, often times appearing to be intelligent is actually more important and more respected than actually being well versed and educated on an item. The article described that the students who didn’t actually read assigned literature, but simply criticized broad, overarching traits of the genre were the ones who were awarded most. I found a lot of truth in this. Often times you see students who participate in discussions to simply tear apart a book with criticisms, rather than brandish knowledge through deep discussions on specific examples or lines from a given reading. Often times the loud, outspoken students who skimmed, if anything, the assigned literature seemed more intelligent than perhaps the quiet student who took diligent notes and read various analyses in addition to the reading. Since the quiet student didn’t boast their opinions aloud, does that mean that the outspoken student should be considered smarter?

Provoked by both of these readings, I began to think: is the perception really more important than the reality? After musing this concept, I came to the conclusion that there are two answers to this question, at least in my opinion. I found that on a personal scale of importance, reality is construed as more important. Obviously, on a personal level, the image you uphold, whether it represents your reality or not, cannot be more important than your actuality. However, in relation to the rest of the world, how you are perceived is more important. People don’t always have time to discover the depths of an individual’s nature or personality, so perceptions and first impressions are of the utmost importance. If you put on a façade that you are a man of wisdom and virtue, will be treated as such. Moreover, if you act in a rude manner, whether you are a genuinely benevolent person or not, you will be perceived and treated based upon the traits you openly possess. I see this exemplified by the fact that naturally, we judge people based upon the traits they outwardly convey, rather than those at the bottom of their heart, no matter which is stronger feeling. Though this seems to be a reoccurring trend in human nature, I am not sure whether I am comfortable with it or not.