Oh oddly enough, I am agree with you generally speaking.
But am I who I present in its entirety?
I don't believe so. I believe there are layers, perhaps not
necessarily masks but more akin to a convergence of dissonance
from a variety of sources, internal, external, take your pick,
clamoring for attention.
I would going to add, "culminating in a singular
deed/action/word" - but THAT'S not even true, because there is a
multilayered presentation.
THEN, there is the reception, which also goes through its series
of filters, through another's convergence of dissonance, etc.
It's all authentic and real; I don't think we *can* be
otherwise.
Just the same, it's convenient to make distinctions, utilizing
such things as masks for analogies, based upon contexts.
It's helpful for people to believe they have a "true self"
that's hidden and untouched, whether it is real or not. But of
course, i believe it is all quite real, whatever methodology or
analogizing we do to describe it - how could we be otherwise?
The belief in an untouched, true self perhaps creates that very
thing it believes is there, and is helpful for some people in
having a sense of integrity - of selfhood. Is it a fiction?
Well, what isn't, in some sense?
Coping skills - the American pragmatist in me. Use it if it
works.
