Esse Quam Videri

Just to hear this brings back memories from my eighth grade North Carolina History class with Ms. Sandra Walton at E.B. Aycock Junior High.  I have always loved history.  But I am not much of a Latin scholar, most of the Latin that I know, I learned through Spanish, church liturgy, Latin Mass and a very passionate officemate whose life mission is to make the entire planet fluent in Latin.

Esse Quam Videri is the official North Carolina State Motto.  It is also the motto for a few fraternities and academies as well.  Esse Quam Videri means "to be rather than to seem."  As a dorky, pubescent 8th grader I never knew what that meant, even now as an adult watching my prime slip away, I still struggle with the significance of this statement. 

Esse Quam Videri appeared in an essay on friendship written by Cicero (you should google him).  I think that I have finally gotten a sense on what it may mean.  To me, this statement inspires individual and collective authenticity.  In other words, be true and genuine to yourself, as opposed to giving an inadequte impression or seeming to be something that you are not.  I am sure that this is going to make for good conversation between me and my officemate.  Happy Friday!  Have a wonderful weekend!  Esse Quam Videri!

Peace,
Karsten