This quote implies that the act of trying too hard to appear natural actually prevents one from being natural. It’s a paradoxical statement that reflects the irony of human behavior. The more we strive to appear a certain way, the less genuine we become, because we’re no longer acting according to our true nature, but according to an image we want to project.

In essence, the desire to appear natural is a form of self-consciousness. When we’re overly aware of ourselves and how we’re perceived, we tend to behave in ways that we think will be accepted or admired by others. This self-consciousness inhibits our authenticity, making us come across as contrived or artificial.

Applying this idea to today’s world, we can see it manifest in various aspects of society, especially in the realm of social media. Many people carefully curate their online presence to project a certain image, often one of perfection or an ideal lifestyle. This desire to appear a certain way can prevent them from being genuine and authentic, as they’re constantly filtering their lives through the lens of how they want to be perceived.

In terms of personal development, this quote suggests that authenticity comes from being true to oneself, rather than striving to meet external expectations or standards. It encourages us to let go of the need to appear a certain way and to embrace our true selves, with all our flaws and imperfections. This can lead to greater self-acceptance, confidence, and fulfillment, as we’re no longer trying to live up to an unrealistic ideal, but are instead living in alignment with our true nature.