Memoirs of an Amnesiac

I have this thing with beginnings. Whenever I read something, I take it on its beginning. If I don't like the beginning, I will most likely not like the whole thing. It's kinda like basing things on my impression -- that first moment that I thought totally defines all the other moments (but usually doesn't).

This brings to mind all the other impressions I've made on artworks I've carefully examined, places I've been to and people I've met. More often than not, my impressions do not really fall in the category that I had carefully placed them into. This either leads me to further examine them and really take them beyond their face value or let them be and have them work their way towards presenting themselves to me.

This is probably the reason most of us are hard put on creating great first impressions on someone. Inside each of us is the need to impress, to present ourselves as worthy of respect and probably admiration (like a book that is so carefully crafted to hold reader's attention even on the first page).

Yet why are most people so good at creating first impressions but are so unworthy later on? There is a thin line that divides truth from deception. Oftentimes, we find ourselves looking at a person at face value rather than discovering him/her deep inside sans the sugar coat --- those fancy garments that are themselves a give away of one's personality and standing in society.

In a world where everything glitters like the metals in one's teeth, we have to learn to decipher or better yet discern the real from the fake. How do we accomplish this?

First, we must remember that not all that glitters is gold. When things start to be too good to be true, one must be wary that it is no longer true.

Second, it is true when Saint de Exupery said in his book, The Little Prince, that what is essential (and true) is invisible to the eye. It takes a lot of prodding and analysis to really get to the matter of things. Taking things at face value may have its ramifications later on.

Third, enough is said about the truth setting us all free. You will soon discover (even when you had doubts about it at the start) that what you deemed true was just another "wolf in sheep's clothing" albeit often, at the end, when all is said and done.

So the next time that burger commercial pleads you to buy it because of its huge size and succulent patty, see for yourself. It might not be as what it appears on those glossy ads.