Another interesting take on authenticity. I like Thoreau’s hopeful assumption that being what we are leans towards worthy and nobler qualities.

And curious about that invitation – what or who does he believe is inviting us to be ourselves?

‘We are constantly invited to be what we are; as to something worthy and noble.’ 

See also Erasmus on authenticity as a prime driver of happiness.

Source: Henry David Thoreau, The Journal 1837-1861, 3 February 1841, Damion Searls (ed.), preface by John R. Stilgoe (New York: New York Review Books, 2009), p. 15

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