Quote by Nathaniel Hawthorne, The Scarlet
No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself, and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.
Summary
This quote suggests that it is impossible for a person to consistently wear a different mask or facade in public than their true self. Over time, the individual becomes confused and loses sight of their authentic identity. It indicates the importance of being true to oneself and avoiding the deception of presenting a false image to appease others. In order to maintain a clear sense of self, one must remain genuine and honest both in private and public spheres.