--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Esse quam videri,\" Celia says. \"To be…" description: "\"Esse quam videri,\" Celia says. \"To be, rather than to seem.\" — Erin Morgenstern" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/846/erin-morgenstern-806_celia_esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather_1353904.png" --- # Esse quam videri," Celia says. "To be, rather than to seem. ![“Esse quam videri," Celia says. "To be, rather than to seem.” quote by Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/846/erin-morgenstern-806_celia_esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather_1353904.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/846/erin-morgenstern-806_celia_esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather_1353904.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/846/erin-morgenstern-806_celia_esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather_1353904.png) > “Esse quam videri," Celia says. "To be, rather than to seem.” [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The quote urges authenticity over appearance, valuing true being over mere perception. **In simple terms:** Be genuine, not just seem. Key Takeaway Prioritize authenticity. Themes authenticity identity integrity Mood reflective thoughtful Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal relationships - social media - career branding Key Concepts existentialism self‑presentation Questions to Reflect On - How do you balance being true to yourself with social expectations? - What masks do you wear? A Different Perspective Authenticity can be socially costly. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Celia](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/celia/) ## Related quotes > [Celia, wait,” Marco says, standing but not moving closer to her. “You are breaking my heart. You told me once that I reminded you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/celia-wait-marco-says-standing-but-not-moving-closer-to-her-you-are/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Celia." he says without looking up at her, "why do we wind our watch?" "Because everything requires energy," she recites obediently, eyes still focused…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/celia-he-says-without-looking-up-at-her-why-do-we-wind-our-watch/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“I know,” Celia says. “You’re not destined or chosen, I wish I could tell you that you were if that would make it easier,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/i-know-celia-says-you-re-not-destined-or-chosen-i-wish-i-could-tell/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“I am tired of trying to hold things together that cannot be held,” Celia says when he approaches her. “Trying to control what cannot…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/i-am-tired-of-trying-to-hold-things-together-that-cannot-be-held-4/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“I would have written you, myself, if I could put down in words everything I want to say to you. A sea of ink…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/i-would-have-written-you-myself-if-i-could-put-down-in-words-2/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“You could have been a ballerina,” Mme. Padva remarks to Celia. “You are quite good on your feet.” “I am good off my feet…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/you-could-have-been-a-ballerina-mme-padva-remarks-to-celia-you-are/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“I have tried to let you go and I cannot. I cannot stop thinking of you. I cannot stop dreaming about you. Do you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/i-have-tried-to-let-you-go-and-i-cannot-i-cannot-stop-thinking-of-you-2/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“Yes," Poppet says. "But what's the use in seeing the future if I can't do anything to stop it?" " You cannot stop things,"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/yes-poppet-says-but-what-s-the-use-in-seeing-the-future-if-i-can-t-do/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Marco knows he does not have the time to push her away, so he pulls her close, burying his face in her hair, his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/marco-knows-he-does-not-have-the-time-to-push-her-away-so-he-pulls/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Trapped in silence, Marco traces apologies and adorations across Celia's body with his tongue. Mutely expressing all the things he cannot speak aloud. He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/trapped-in-silence-marco-traces-apologies-and-adorations-across-celia/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Do you remember all of your audiences?" Marco asks. "Not all of them," Celia says. "But I remember the people who look at me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/do-you-remember-all-of-your-audiences-marco-asks-not-all-of-them/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [So proper for a circus girl," Mme. Padva says with with a gleam in her eye. "We shall have to loosen those corset laces…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/so-proper-for-a-circus-girl-mme-padva-says-with-with-a-gleam-in-her/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [How are you managing to keep everyone from aging?” Celia asks after a while. “Very carefully,” Marco answers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/how-are-you-managing-to-keep-everyone-from-aging-celia-asks-after-a/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Celia laughs and a curl of her hair falls across her cheek. Marco tentatively moves to brush it off her face, but before his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/celia-laughs-and-a-curl-of-her-hair-falls-across-her-cheek-marco/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Which tent is your favourite?" he asks. "The Ice Garden," Celia answers, without even pausing to consider. "Why is that?" Marco asks. "Because of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/which-tent-is-your-favourite-he-asks-the-ice-garden-celia-answers/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) ## More by Erin Morgenstern > [They are enthusiasts, devotees. Addicts. Something about the circus stirs their souls, and they ache for it when it is absent. They seek each…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/they-are-enthusiasts-devotees-addicts-something-about-the-circus/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“The Burgess sisters arrive together. Tara and Lainie do a little bit of everything. Sometimes dancers, sometimes actresses. Once they were librarians, but that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/the-burgess-sisters-arrive-together-tara-and-lainie-do-a-little-bit/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“Bedtime stories Eventide Rhapsodies Anthologies of Memory Please enter cautiously and feel free to open what is closed”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/bedtime-stories-eventide-rhapsodies-anthologies-of-memory-please/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“When all of this is over, no matter which one of us wins, I will not let you go so easily. Agreed?”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/when-all-of-this-is-over-no-matter-which-one-of-us-wins-i-will-not/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“Even the ground beneath his feet feels unsatisfying to his boots.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/even-the-ground-beneath-his-feet-feels-unsatisfying-to-his-boots/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“Why haven’t you asked me how I do my tricks?” Celia asks, once they have reached the point where she is certain he is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/why-haven-t-you-asked-me-how-i-do-my-tricks-celia-asks-once-they-have/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [And there are really never endings, happy or otherwise.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/and-there-are-really-never-endings-happy-or-otherwise/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [I binge write. I think it's because I started seriously writing by participating in National Novel Writing Month, an online-based challenge to write 50,000…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/i-binge-write-i-think-it-s-because-i-started-seriously-writing-by/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [I have absurdly vivid dreams.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/i-have-absurdly-vivid-dreams/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [I made a wish on this tree years ago," Marco says. "What did you wish for?" Bailey asks. Marco leans forward and whispers in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/i-made-a-wish-on-this-tree-years-ago-marco-says-what-did-you-wish-for/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“He reads histories and mythologies and fairy tales, wondering why it seems that only girls are ever swept away from their mundane lives on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/he-reads-histories-and-mythologies-and-fairy-tales-wondering-why-it/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“Behind him, the sheep, left to their own devices, decide to wander through the open gate into the field beyond.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/behind-him-the-sheep-left-to-their-own-devices-decide-to-wander/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Marco moves to close the distance between them, kissing away her tears before catching her lip with his own. As he kisses her, the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/marco-moves-to-close-the-distance-between-them-kissing-away-her-tears/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [“«Importa más ser que parecer.»”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/importa-m-s-ser-que-parecer/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [And before he can tell her to tell Widget goodbye for him if need be, she leans forward and kisses him, not on the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/and-before-he-can-tell-her-to-tell-widget-goodbye-for-him-if-need-be/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) [Explore all 339 Erin Morgenstern quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) ## More Celia quotes > [Which tent is your favourite?" he asks. "The Ice Garden," Celia answers, without even pausing to consider. "Why is that?" Marco asks. "Because of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/which-tent-is-your-favourite-he-asks-the-ice-garden-celia-answers/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [At one O'Clock, Miss Celia comes in the kitchen and says she's ready for her first cooking lesson. She settles on a stool. She's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathryn-stockett/at-one-o-clock-miss-celia-comes-in-the-kitchen-and-says-she-s-ready/) [Kathryn Stockett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathryn-stockett/) > [A little extra forgiveness never hurts," said Matt, quoting one of Celia's favorite sayings.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nancy-farmer/a-little-extra-forgiveness-never-hurts-said-matt-quoting-one-of-celia/) [Nancy Farmer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nancy-farmer/) > [I'm so moved to hear Celia Johnson again, so lovely.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maggie-smith/i-m-so-moved-to-hear-celia-johnson-again-so-lovely/) [Maggie Smith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maggie-smith/) > [Celia laughs and a curl of her hair falls across her cheek. Marco tentatively moves to brush it off her face, but before his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/celia-laughs-and-a-curl-of-her-hair-falls-across-her-cheek-marco/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Here comes Monseiur Le Beau. Rosalind: With his mouth full of news. Celia: Which he will put on us, as pigeons feed their young.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/here-comes-monseiur-le-beau-rosalind-with-his-mouth-full-of-news/) [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/) > [ Celia \[Brady\] is a young woman who, you know, she's still got that fresh young vibe about her but at the same time she's… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lily-collins/celia-brady-is-a-young-woman-who-you-know-she-s-still-got-that-fresh/) [Lily Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lily-collins/) > [Celia." he says without looking up at her, "why do we wind our watch?" "Because everything requires energy," she recites obediently, eyes still focused…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/celia-he-says-without-looking-up-at-her-why-do-we-wind-our-watch/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [How are you managing to keep everyone from aging?” Celia asks after a while. “Very carefully,” Marco answers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/how-are-you-managing-to-keep-everyone-from-aging-celia-asks-after-a/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [So proper for a circus girl," Mme. Padva says with with a gleam in her eye. "We shall have to loosen those corset laces…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/so-proper-for-a-circus-girl-mme-padva-says-with-with-a-gleam-in-her/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Do you remember all of your audiences?" Marco asks. "Not all of them," Celia says. "But I remember the people who look at me…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/do-you-remember-all-of-your-audiences-marco-asks-not-all-of-them/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) > [Why did Mama say that? Had Papa made her angry again? He made her angry a lot. Gran said it was on account of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sabrina-jeffries/why-did-mama-say-that-had-papa-made-her-angry-again-he-made-her-angry/) [Sabrina Jeffries](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sabrina-jeffries/) > [ Everything was just so spot on and character-building for me in terms of creating Celia \[Bryant\]. The ability to get to wear all these… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lily-collins/everything-was-just-so-spot-on-and-character-building-for-me-in-terms/) [Lily Collins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lily-collins/) > [Come, my Celia, let us prove, While we can, the sports of love, Time will not be ours for ever, He, at length, our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-jonson/come-my-celia-let-us-prove-while-we-can-the-sports-of-love-time-will/) [Ben Jonson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-jonson/) > [Marco knows he does not have the time to push her away, so he pulls her close, burying his face in her hair, his…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/marco-knows-he-does-not-have-the-time-to-push-her-away-so-he-pulls/) [Erin Morgenstern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/) [Browse all 22 Celia quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/celia/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Esse quam videri,\" Celia says. \"To be, rather than to seem.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Erin Morgenstern" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather-than-to-seem/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Celia" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather-than-to-seem/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/846/erin-morgenstern-806_celia_esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather_1353904.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/846/erin-morgenstern-806_celia_esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather_1353904.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/846/erin-morgenstern-806_celia_esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather_1353904.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Esse quam videri,\" Celia says. \"To be, rather than to seem.” — Erin Morgenstern", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Erin Morgenstern", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erin-morgenstern/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Esse quam videri,\" Celia says. \"To...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather-than-to-seem/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erin-morgenstern/esse-quam-videri-celia-says-to-be-rather-than-to-seem/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```