The quality of being genuine, real, and true to one's own personality, values, and beliefs rather than conforming to external expectations. It involves honest self-expression and alignment between inner experience and outer behavior.
From Greek 'authentikos' meaning 'original, genuine,' from 'authentes' (one acting on his own authority). The psychological emphasis on authenticity grew prominent in existential and humanistic psychology in the mid-20th century as a key component of mental health and self-actualization.
Authenticity is perhaps the most paradoxical human achievement - it requires tremendous courage to be something that should be effortless (yourself), yet most of us spend years learning to perform roles that don't fit our true nature. Research shows that people who live more authentically have higher self-esteem, better relationships, and greater life satisfaction, suggesting that being 'fake' is literally exhausting while being real is energizing.
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