This topic has been on my mind lately. In my work, I deal with rigid systems and precise algorithms, but outside of that, I’m fascinated by the messy, organic nature of human expression. I build robots that are designed for function, yet we often give them a polished, aesthetically pleasing shell. It makes me wonder about the human equivalent.
Is the effort we put into our appearance a sharp haircut, well-fitted clothes, skincare a form of inauthentic performance, or is it just another layer of genuine self-expression? I sometimes feel a tension between wanting to present a put-together version of myself and the philosophical ideal of being completely ‘as-is’. Where do you all draw that line for yourselves? Is the act of polishing itself a meaningful part of who you are, or does it get in the way?