Esther Barnes
Theme—Make-up
January 2, 1933
Personality is defined as “the outward expression of the inner life.” It is that certain something which attracts others or repels them. It is better known and more often spoken of as “it”, S. A., and other various modern words. Whether we are aware of it or not, we all have personalities. According to one’s wishes he may have a pleasing personality or otherwise. Personalities are like clothing—they can be put on or taken off—just as one desires. I believe that the majority of us do have dual personalities. We are sweet and charming when we’d much prefer to be catty and hateful.
A pleasing personality is largely a matter of cultivation. Of course, there are many who are naturally blessed with charming dispositions, but one can, through will-power, make himself pleasing to others through study of his faults. Garbo’s mysteriousness is a method of acquiring a unique personality. A great deal of her mystery is unquestionably cultivated. It takes a detailed study to perfect such a personality. As for me, I’d much prefer being one’s own self. As one grows older and becomes wiser his personality changes from a natural one to a more sophisticated one.
One of the most likable girls in our school has such an air of sincerity about her, one can’t help liking her. I thought she was very unattractive when I first saw her, but after becoming acquainted with her, I think she is extremely pretty. It works the other way, also. Those who are physically attractive usually have such arrogant dispositions that they are drab and common when one really knows them.
And so it goes—it takes all sorts of personalities to make a world. Just think, in all the millions of persons and personalities, no two are alike. Every individual is a distinct type. Whether we are attractive or not depends on us. Let’s do our best to be—not a Garbo—but our own, individual selves.
Teacher’s comment: Ex