"Those that don't got it, can't show it. Those that got it, can't hide it"

Zora Neale Hurston’s statement, “Those that don't got it, can't show it. Those that got it, can't hide it,” captures the essence of authenticity and innate qualities that define individuals. The words speak to the idea that certain traits, whether talent, wisdom, confidence, or a genuine character, cannot be artificially manufactured or concealed. When someone lacks a particular virtue or ability, no matter how much effort they put into pretending or emulating, the absence becomes apparent. The lack of substance beneath the surface means their attempts to display what they do not possess ultimately fall flat or appear contrived.

Conversely, for those who truly possess a remarkable quality, that trait radiates naturally from them, often effortlessly. Authenticity, for example, shines through in a person’s interactions, decisions, and demeanor, even when they do not intentionally draw attention to it. It manifests in ways outside their control, permeating through their everyday life. Talent or intelligence, similarly, becomes evident in not only grand displays but also subtle moments, unsolicited acts, or even in the comfort they exude with their craft or knowledge. Such qualities have a way of announcing themselves, regardless of the possessor’s intention to keep them hidden.

This observation serves as a reminder of the power of genuineness. Social masks and pretenses, however carefully crafted, cannot substitute for the real thing, and the effort spent on projecting what is not there is futile. There is liberation in accepting both the limits and the gifts we possess, allowing each person to focus on growth rather than imitation. Hurston’s words encourage authenticity, underlining that what is true about a person cannot be masked or faked. Ultimately, the world responds to, and recognizes, the genuine article far more than any imitation.