Never judge a book by its cover!
More often than not, people tend to judge a book by its cover without actually getting past the hurdle to uncover what lies beyond. In some cases, the book’s cover may project accurately the quality of the content of the book, while in other cases, it doesn’t; the latter occurring more frequently than the former! The cover of a book and its content stand for different things in different contexts.
In the first instance, the cover of a book is to the book, what physical appearance, CV, standardized tests, cover letters, ethnicity, background, etc., is to an individual potential/ capabilities. A very creative candidate, who is not outspoken, may be disqualified for a job, following an interview; a student with unharnessed potential may not be able to scale through standardized tests which usually stand in the way of so many; some bright individuals who excelled through college, but without work experience, are constantly being overlooked by hiring agents; a smart individual with a working brain and creative mind, may appear haggard; hardworking individuals exist who are limited by financial constraints to unleash their passion!
Again, a book and its cover may be likened to the aesthetic appeal of a food and its taste. There is a popular saying that, the eyes eat first before the mouth. Granted this sounds logical, but its validity at all times is not given. I know of many local dishes enjoyed by people of a given tribe, which are abhorred by others. For instance, Ewedu is a local delicacy for the Yorubas in Nigeria; judging by its appearance, it looks horrible (to a foreigner) but tastes nice (to the local people). Until as a non-Yoruba, you decide to look past the outward presentation of Ewedu, you won’t get to experience the unique taste of this food.
Furthermore, the cover of a book is to its pages, what a package is to its content. In food packaging for instance, several features are incorporated to capture the attention of a potential consumer. The package may be colorful, light-weight, integrates convenience, etc. but encloses a content of poor quality, in the same way a non-appealing package may be hiding a highly nutritious, healthy food product! Which is to go for? It’s up to an individual’s discretion to make wise, informed choices right?
This question begets another: “How can one decipher whether or not the cover of a book suggests the quality of its content?” The answer is in being open-minded and giving it an attempt/chance…
Give those candidates the opportunity to prove themselves beyond theories, interviews, CVs, profiles, exams, and ethnicity!
Try out new methods/ products/services before concluding they are what they seem to be!
Don’t always assume that all that glitters is gold OR that lack of luster signifies inferiority!
