The saying “Clothes Make the Man” dates back some 400 years and it refers to the fact that when people see a well-dressed person, they assume that person is a professional, capable, and (especially in the old days) rich. Therefore, you had to dress like how you wanted to be perceived, what you wanted to eventually achieve. Fast forward 400 years, lots of folks still think the same way. But does it really make a difference?

I happen to be one of those who do not put faith in the old saying. I suppose I might be in the minority but I am a member of an elite club with the likes of Steve Jobs and Bill Gates in my camp.

Perception is not reality; perception is halfway to discovering reality. Perception is drawn from our own impressions, our own belief systems. Is it powerful and influential? Absolutely! Is it all that it seems? Less often than you think. How many times have you cast an initial judgment only to surprise yourself later and learn how you missed out on a great opportunity, person or idea?

Comment 1

In the present era, many associate the well-dressed with being the most successful. It took folks in the business world a long time to overlook the way Steve Jobs wore jeans on the public stage. I did not know Mr. Jobs, though I wish I had. I have heard it said that he invented the concept of “business casual.” In my mind that is as much a matter of self-confidence as it is a matter of taste in clothing.

Comment 2

You are wrong about Steve Jobs. He certainly did care about how he was perceived and his appearance was very much calculated to achieve his desired effect. From his early formal business clothing down to the aggressive casualness of his eventual black turtle neck and jeans uniform, his clothes and the impact they made were clearly foremost in his mind.

Comment 3

It reminds me of the story about the philosopher who goes to a formal dinner party in jeans. When asked if he felt out of place because of his clothes, he looked around and said he hadn’t noticed.

Which of the following might the writer of the passage agree with?