Authenticity
the flow of our history has moved us into a new age of authenticity. “Authenticity,” as I’ll develop here, is to see ourselves on a journey to make meaning, seeking to be loyal (often only) to what speaks to us, to what engages us, to what moves us.
Andrew Root • Faith Formation in a Secular Age : Volume 1 (Ministry in a Secular Age): Responding to the Church's Obsession with Youthfulness
If you are reading this, you likely grew up in an era in which irony was the primary way of engaging with the world. Not only did it have to do with goods, but was (and continues to be) pervasive in interpersonal relations. Asserting one’s individuality and refusing group labels on principle is not unique to hipsters but can be seen in dozens of ot... See more
Toby Shorin • The Disbeliever's Guide to Authenticity
“Authentic” means being completely real (95-percent authentic isn’t enough.) Consumers, especially Gen Zers, identify weaknesses immediately and will walk away from inauthentic brands. In a time of so much digital noise, brand storytelling is much more important than ever before.
Daniel Langer • The Luxury Trap: Why it’s a Mistake to Define Luxury By Price
camus was right, real authenticity lies in knowing when to reveal yourself and when to hold back. otherwise your constant self expression becomes a performance to impress others and slowly erodes into vanity. but in restraint, authenticity transforms into an act of generosity, like when someone opens up at just the right moment and you see them in ... See more
When being real is your priority, the various parts of your life start to groove. Your career will begin to reflect your true passion; your living room will match your values; your friends will fit your soul; and your wealth—of which there are many definitions—will start to measure up with your notion of freedom. Sometimes the courage to be true to
... See moreDanielle LaPorte • The Fire Starter Sessions: A Soulful + Practical Guide to Creating Success on Your Own Terms

I tend to mostly value sincerity over originality. I think I perform better when I focus less on being original and more on being honest.