The beautiful poetic and philosophical quote above, attributed to Pope Francis, tells us that irrespective of what we call ourselves, it is our output that determines who we truly are. (Socrates likes to make sharp demarcations between poetry and philosophy, this appears a combination of both, but what do I know? It is Socrates Vs an Amateur).

Rivers quench the thirst of others and water lush vegetation; fruits from trees edify; the sun provides light and warmth; flowers beautify the environment and please the senses. Things are called by such names as they are called, because of what they emit. What do you emit? That which one emits is the true reflection of one’s self. The excerpt below from Plato’s Republic is insightful:

“He made an attempt to contest this proposition also, but finally acquiesced.

Then, I continued, no physician, in so far as he is a physician, considers his own good in what he prescribes, but the good of his patient; for the true physician is also a ruler having the human body as a subject, and is not a mere money-maker; that has been admitted?

Yes.

And the pilot likewise, in the strict sense of the term, is a ruler of sailors and not a mere sailor?”

“… He gave a reluctant ‘Yes.’

Then, I said, Thrasymachus, there is no one in any rule who, in so far as he is a ruler, considers or enjoins what is for his own interest, but always what is for the interest of his subject or suitable to his art; to that he looks, and that alone he considers in everything which he says and does.”

“When we had got to this point in the argument, and every one saw that the definition of justice had been completely upset, Thrasymachus, instead of replying to me, said: Tell me, Socrates, have you got a nurse?”

“Why do you ask such a question, I said, when you ought rather to be answering?

Because she leaves you to snivel, and never wipes your nose: she has not even taught you to know the shepherd from the sheep.

What makes you say that? I replied.”

Excerpt From
The Republic
Plato

True colors are always manifest, defining existence irrespective of preferred nomenclature. Call yourself what you may, but it’s really about the intrinsic colors that cannot be hidden in line with the saying “you can’t cheat nature.”

Ande Elisha The Amateur Philosopher