It's a rare man who is taken for what he truly is," he said. "There is much misjudgment in the world. Now, I knew you for a unicorn when I first saw you, and I know that I am your friend. Yet you take me for a clown, or a clot, or a betrayer, and so I must be if you see me so. The magic on you is only magic and will vanish as soon as you are free, but the enchantment of error that you put on me I must wear forever in your eyes. We are not always what we seem, and hardly ever what we dream.
The quote reflects on the complexity of perception and judgment in human relationships. The speaker expresses the struggle of being misunderstood, suggesting that people often misinterpret others' true natures. He acknowledges a deep connection, having recognized the listener's rare qualities, which he equates to a "unicorn." However, the listener perceives him as a fool or betrayer, highlighting how misconceptions can shape one's identity in the eyes of others.
This passage underscores the theme that appearances can be deceptive, suggesting that people are frequently judged by flawed perceptions rather than their true selves. The speaker laments that while the magic of the listener's uniqueness may eventually fade, the misunderstandings he faces may endure. It encapsulates the idea that individuals are often not what they seem and challenges the notion of aligning one’s identity solely with others' misjudgments.
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