In an era where the notion of authenticity is ever-evolving, the challenges of being "real" are increasingly pronounced. Is it truly possible to be completely authentic? And how do we present our genuine selves in a world that often demands curation? Vox interviewed assistant professor of practical philosophy Katharina Bauer, who explores questions of authenticity, particularly within the context of our modern lives.
Bauer emphasizes that authenticity is not a fixed state, but rather a journey that changes over time. She states, “Your personal authenticity can and will change over time as you grow and your values change.” This idea is, according to her, crucial for understanding that the quest for authenticity is dynamic and subjective. She says it is indeed normal to feel unsure about one's true self as we navigate different phases of life. “It’s fine to be confused about this,” Bauer notes, “because this can also be part of the process of transforming or changing or finding new ways or making new decisions.”
According to Bauer, the modern emphasis on expressing a unique, inner self is a relatively recent development. Historically, authenticity was more about verifying authorship, such as determining if a painting was genuinely by Rubens or whether a document was signed by an official. This changed during the Enlightenment in the 18th century, when, through cultural and social developments, individuality gained importance. People began to believe that they didn’t need to conform strictly to external societal standards, but rather, could express something intrinsically “authentic” within themselves that had its own value.
Bauer explains that as time passed, individuals were granted more freedom to explore alternative ways of living that deviated from traditional norms, which the professor suggests can be liberating for those discovering their own identities.
Like many social movements and ideologies, authenticity eventually became commodified. As far back as the 1920s and '30s, advertisers began promoting products as a way to uncover one’s true self, Bauer says. This trend has persisted over the decades: a car for expressing “the rebel inside”, or a body spray that ostensibly enhances your uniqueness. Authenticity itself has thereby become a selling point, with consumers seeking out the most “authentic” experiences, such as a genuine Italian restaurant, French wine, or an exclusive tour of Marrakech.
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In the article, many other aspects of authenticity are explored, such as whether authenticity is internal or context-dependent, how the way we are perceived impacts authenticity and how to feel more authentic. Read it here: https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/358203/authenticity-being-real-social…
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