Real person Quote by John Verdon
““The person I think I am is terrified of the person I really am, terrified of what others would think of that person. What would they do to me if they knew the person I really was? Better to be safe! Better to hide the real person, starve the real person, bury the real person!””
About This Quote
Source Novel: The Forgotten Garden by John Verdon, 2019
The quote expresses fear of authentic self‑exposure, fearing judgment and potential harm, leading to self‑suppression.
In simple terms: Fear of being judged makes us hide our true selves.
Key Takeaway
Embrace authenticity despite fear.
Themes
identity
fear
self‑acceptance
social judgment
Mood
anxious
reflective
Type
personal
psychological
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- therapy sessions
- creative work
- public speaking
Key Concepts
psychology
self‑concept
defense mechanisms
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of yourself are you hiding?
- How might honesty improve your relationships?
A Different Perspective
Self‑suppression can limit growth and damage mental health.
