British model and actress Lily Cole is well-known for her contributions to activism, literature, and fashion. She has been outspoken about the difficulties she encounters as a result of the assumptions and expectations society places on models. She said something in one of her interviews that many people who have experienced criticism or preconceptions from others can relate to.

Cole's comment highlights how people frequently form snap decisions based solely on outward appearances, ignoring a person's actual personality and life experiences. People look at each other through their masks and assume they know everything about each other, but this is typically far from the truth. It's like when everyone is wearing masks at a masquerade ball.

Cole highlights that she feels safe with who she is on the inside, so she doesn't mind when people judge her in this way. This solace stems from self-awareness and acceptance, which are like a tree with deep, sturdy roots that allow it to stand tall no matter how strong the wind (or criticism) gets.

When Cole states that it's "their issue, not mine," she implies that although these criticisms are real and may cause pain, they do not define her. Instead of worrying too much about what other people think of them based only on their outward appearance, she urges people to concentrate on their own path of self-acceptance and self-discovery.

This quotation emphasizes the value of authenticity and self-worth in a society where people frequently base their opinions about others primarily on their appearance. It acts as a reminder that real comprehension arises from learning about a person's core qualities, which go beyond their outward appearance.