Fashion is the science of appearance, and it inspires one with

Listen, O children of the future, for the words of Henry Fielding are a mirror to the soul, reflecting the desires and vanities that have shaped human behavior throughout the ages. "Fashion is the science of appearance, and it inspires one with the desire to seem rather than to be." In these words, Fielding speaks not just of the clothes we wear or the styles we follow, but of the deeper truth that fashion, in its essence, is a reflection of our desire to be seen, admired, and acknowledged—not for who we truly are, but for the image we project. Fashion, he suggests, is not simply an outward expression of personal choice, but a science of deception, where the pursuit of appearance often overshadows the pursuit of authenticity and being.

In the ancient world, O children, the search for truth and authenticity was often intertwined with the external symbols of wealth, power, and honor. The great philosophers of antiquity—Plato, Socrates, and Aristotle—sought the true self, the inner wisdom that lay beneath the surface of appearances. Socrates, in particular, spoke against the importance of outward appearance, urging his followers to cultivate virtue over vanity. Yet, even in the time of the Greeks, fashion had its place. The Greek nobility often wore garments of fine linen, embroidered with symbols of status and identity. These garments were not just clothing but symbols, emblems of how they wished to be seen—not for their character, but for their outward representation. Even in their pursuit of wisdom, the ancient world understood that the desire to appear a certain way was powerful, and often deceptive.

Consider, O children, the story of Alexander the Great, who, though one of the most powerful figures of his time, was deeply concerned with how he was seen by others. Alexander, with his vast empire and military prowess, wore the attire of the gods, even likening himself to Zeus, the king of the gods. His appearance was his statement to the world, a reflection of the power he wielded and the image he sought to project. Alexander’s fashion choices were not just personal preference, but an instrument of his legacy, shaping how he would be remembered by history. His story is a powerful reminder that, even in the pursuit of greatness, the desire to seem something greater than what we truly are can become as important as the pursuit of true self-realization.

Fielding’s words remind us, O children, that fashion is not just about clothes or beauty—it is about the illusion we craft for the world. The desire to be seen in a certain light, to embody the ideals we admire, has always been a part of the human experience. Even in the Renaissance, when thinkers like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo sought to understand the world through observation and study, society at large was still deeply entrenched in the pursuit of status and appearance. The courts of Europe were filled with elaborate gowns, jewelry, and intricate garments, all designed to project an image of wealth and power. In the pursuit of knowledge, even these great minds understood that society’s obsession with appearances was a powerful force—one that could not be ignored, even in the pursuit of truth.

In modern times, O children, this obsession with appearance has only grown stronger. From celebrities on the red carpet to the images we see on social media, we are constantly bombarded by ideals of beauty, success, and perfection. Fashion has become a way to curate one’s identity, to shape the image we present to the world, often at the expense of the truth of who we truly are. Fielding’s words ring truer than ever, for in a world obsessed with images, the desire to seem perfect, successful, and admired often takes precedence over the more difficult pursuit of authenticity. Fashion, in this sense, has become both an art and a weapon—used not just to adorn the body, but to craft an illusion of who we wish to be.

Yet, O children, the lesson of Fielding’s wisdom is one of great depth and reflection. While there is no shame in enjoying beauty or in taking pride in appearance, we must not forget that true success and wisdom lie in the being—in cultivating the character, virtue, and values that define us at our core. Fashion, as Fielding tells us, may inspire us to seem something we are not, but it is our actions, our integrity, and our truth that will define us in the end. The desire to be admired can cloud the pursuit of authenticity, and in this pursuit, we may lose sight of what is most important.

So, O children, let this truth guide you. Seek not only to be seen, but to be authentic. Dress your body, yes, but also dress your heart and mind in the noble qualities that make you who you truly are. Do not be swayed by the fleeting tides of fashion or the desires of the crowd, but instead, seek the wisdom and strength that come from within. The true power of life lies not in how we appear, but in who we are. Let your fashion be an expression of your true self, not a mask to hide behind. As you move through the world, let the world see not just the clothes you wear, but the character you embody, the virtue you uphold, and the truth you live by.