There's is a fine line between living one's truth and looking

Hear the words of Amala Akkineni, artist and activist, who declared: “There is a fine line between living one’s truth and looking good.” In this utterance lies a sharp reminder to all who walk the earth. For human beings are ever torn between two desires—the yearning to live authentically, in harmony with the truth within, and the temptation to fashion appearances that please the eyes of others. The one leads to peace of soul, the other to fleeting applause. And between them, as Amala warns, lies only a fine line, easily crossed by those who forget themselves.

The origin of this wisdom rests in the world of fame and public life, where Amala herself has walked. She has known the glare of the spotlight, the demand to appear flawless, to present not who you are but what others wish to see. Yet she also embraced a deeper calling—living by her truth, dedicating herself to service, compassion, and integrity. In her words, we hear the voice of one who has stood at the crossroads of appearance and authenticity, and who has chosen the harder, nobler path.

History provides witness to this struggle. Think of Mahatma Gandhi, whose life was one long defiance of appearances. He could have worn fine suits, spoken with elegance, and sought to “look good” before the rulers of empire. Instead, he clothed himself in simplicity, lived among the poor, and walked barefoot in the dust. In choosing to live his truth rather than to preserve appearances, he became a beacon of freedom. His life proved that dignity lies not in looking good, but in being good.

Yet how often have nations, leaders, and even ordinary souls chosen the opposite? History is filled with rulers who wore crowns of gold but whose hearts were hollow. They built monuments, staged parades, and adorned themselves with symbols of power to “look good” before their people. But because they did not live the truth, their empires crumbled, their names cursed rather than honored. For appearances fade like smoke, but truth endures like stone.

The lesson is clear: appearances may win admiration for a day, but only truth brings lasting peace. To live one’s truth may invite criticism, misunderstanding, even sacrifice. But it grants the strength of an unburdened heart. To chase the illusion of looking good may win applause, but it leaves the soul empty, for it lives always in fear of being unmasked. The line is fine, as Amala said, but the difference is infinite.

O children of tomorrow, beware of the temptation to dress your life only for the eyes of others. Ask yourself in every choice: Am I doing this to live my truth, or only to “look good”? When you work, let it be from conviction, not for praise. When you speak, let it be from honesty, not performance. When you serve, let it be from love, not display. In this way, you will walk in authenticity, not in illusion.

Therefore, let your practice be thus: strip away the masks, and live by the compass of your soul. Let your actions reflect your innermost convictions, even if they are misunderstood. For applause fades, but integrity shines forever. In your family, in your work, in your service to the world, let your truth be the measure of your worth. The eyes of others may be deceived, but the soul knows, and the soul cannot be fooled.

Thus remember Amala Akkineni’s wisdom: “There is a fine line between living one’s truth and looking good.” Walk carefully along that line, and choose always the side of truth. For though the world may not always reward you, your heart will be at rest, and your life will echo with authenticity long after the illusions of appearance have passed away.