By Granville Sharp
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
"Always endeavor to really be what you would wish to appear." This timeless Granville Sharp quote about authenticity stands as an invitation to align your outer self with your true character. Authenticity is a quality many value yet sometimes struggle to embody in pressures of daily life. With its plain yet powerful message, the quote holds real meaning for anyone who wants to lead a life of integrity. Its influence stretches across personal relationships, careers, and moments of self-reflection.
What Does This Quote Mean?
Granville Sharp’s quote, "Always endeavor to really be what you would wish to appear," tells us that it is not enough to simply look like a good or admirable person. The real message is that your actions, values, and inner reality should match the image you present to the world. In other words, don’t just focus on making a good impression—focus on actually being the person you wish people to see.
People are often tempted to act in ways that win approval, praise, or acceptance from others. It can be easy to adopt a mask, try to impress, or even tell white lies to project a better self-image. But the deeper value of this Granville Sharp quote about authenticity is that it calls for sincere effort—an "endeavor"—to make sure you are genuine through and through.
On a literal level, the quote advises striving to embody the qualities and values you admire. If you want others to see you as honest, work to truly be honest, even when it is inconvenient. The metaphorical insight is that living an authentic life brings peace, confidence, and long-term respect. When your inside matches your outside, you have nothing to hide or fear. Instead of worrying about being "found out" or exposed as insincere, you gain comfort in knowing you are presenting your real self.
This quote encourages you to start inward: to develop your own character, ethics, and intentions until what you show the world and what you feel inside are the same. It’s a timeless lesson in the power of honesty and self-awareness that echoes in every corner of life.
How Can You Use This Quote in Life?
1. Practice Honest Communication
Whether in friendships, family, or work, use this quote as a reminder to speak the truth—even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. If you wish to appear trustworthy, commit to full honesty in your conversations. This doesn’t mean being brutally blunt, but rather finding ways to express your real thoughts and feelings in a respectful manner.
2. Align Your Actions with Your Values
Regularly reflect on what qualities you most admire or wish others would see in you—kindness, fairness, reliability, or humility. Then take concrete steps to turn these qualities into habits. For example, if you want to be known as helpful, step up when someone needs support, even when no one is watching.
3. Avoid Pretending or Exaggerating
It can be tempting to embelish stories or exaggerate achievements to seem more impressive. Instead, catch yourself in those moments and choose honesty over appearance. If you wish to appear competent, work on improving your skills genuinely rather than relying on a false image.
4. Invite Constructive Feedback
Ask trusted friends or family how well your actions match the qualities you hope to show. Are you as considerate or responsible as you want to appear? Their perspectives can help you see blind spots and encourage growth, making your self-image more accurate and grounded.
5. Lead by Example
If you are in a leadership position at work, home, or in community involvement, use the Granville Sharp quote about authenticity to guide your influence. Model the behaviors and attitudes you want your team or family to adopt. This builds real respect and trust, inspiring others to act authentically as well.
6. Embrace Vulnerability
Sometimes the desire to seem strong or flawless can hide your true self. Give yourself permission to be human—to admit mistakes, ask for help, and show emotion. This builds stronger, more authentic connections with others, as people are often drawn to genuine humility over perfect appearances.
By acting on these principles, you create an environment—at home, work, or in friendships—where authenticity flourishes. This alignment between who you are and how you appear reduces stress and deepens your sense of self-worth. You become not only respected by others, but also at ease with your true self.
✨ The Motivation Message
Here’s the truth: you do not need to hide behind any masks or act like someone you’re not! You have everything inside you to be the person you respect and admire most. By aiming to really be what you wish to appear, you unlock a kind of confidence no one can take away from you.
People appreciate authenticity—real, honest effort stands out in a world full of appearances. Even if change feels slow, every step towards being true to yourself brings growth and self-respect. The strongest trust comes from your actions matching your words. Each time you choose honesty over image, you build a solid foundation for real happiness.
So start now: look for one small way to let your inner self shine outward today. Maybe it’s a word of honesty, an act of kindness, or even a moment of vulnerability. 🌟 You’ve got what it takes—so go for it! Let your actions speak for who you are, and watch your world change for the better.
About Granville Sharp
Granville Sharp, who was born in 1735 and died in 1813, was an English scholar, philanthropist, and a leading advocate for human rights. He is best remembered as a key figure in the early movement to abolish slavery in Britain. His work as an activist and campaigner transformed the lives of many, and his powerful sense of justice shaped his entire life.
Sharp’s worldview was deeply rooted in fairness, honesty, and the belief that everyone deserves dignity. Despite facing opposition for his views, he acted in line with his convictions—working tirelessly to secure freedom for enslaved people and fight for social reform. His commitment to living authentically, according to his highest values, is the foundation for his famous quote.
"Always endeavor to really be what you would wish to appear" reflects the life Granville Sharp led. He did not seek merely to look like a good person; he made it his mission to become one in reality. His message continues to encourage today’s readers to bridge the gap between their ideals and actions, showing that integrity and authenticity leave a lasting impact on the world.
