proverb · Words worth keeping
Be as you would seem to be.
Be as you would seem to be.
In print by 1893 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
Let your conduct match the impression you want to give. The saying asks for substance behind a respectable appearance, rather than a performance designed only to win approval.
What the words are saying
Seeming concerns how a person appears to other people; being concerns what they actually do and how they act when appearances are less visible. The proverb brings those two ideas together. Someone who wishes to appear reliable, fair or generous is asked to practice the corresponding qualities. Its useful force is to turn attention from managing a reputation toward sustaining conduct that deserves trust. It does not require a person to satisfy every observer’s expectations or hide their limitations. An honest account of a mistake can align appearance and reality more effectively than an attempt to look flawless.
Everyday example
A person who describes themselves as dependable tells the team promptly when they cannot meet an agreed deadline.
When to use it
Use it to connect an intended reputation with everyday conduct.
What it does not mean
Integrity does not require appearing perfect or pleasing every observer.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional proverb
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1893 AD · industrial
In print by 1893: recorded in Dictionary of Quotations (1893). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- Dictionary of Quotations (1893) (1893 AD)
Printed citation: Pr. · page_026
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.