Philosophy Discussion Forums | A Humans-Only Club for Open-Minded Discussion & Debate

[Samana Johann]

It's hard to have freedom in my situation, but I have a dream that tells me I am already free. ...

That dreams is strong feed by what's known as dull and lazy, good householder. And if honest? Free means without need to feed an identification, without search for support of it, still.

[Samana Johann]

Truly where there is a will, there is a way. Nobody can limit anybody except one's self. I had the same reflection and discover that I am the person holding myself back. In reality noone can limit you even if they want to. The power is yours to use as it pleases you!

That's a good and important insight, good householder. Yet it's also good to know what's not worthy to relay on, not possible to serve as refuge, hardly brought under control, and as burdensome not wise to regard it as own. Good to start to love and maintain what's very own, since, as good householder saw, will is action, one's own, heritage. If no furter higher wisdom applied, than this will lead toward the Brahmas, if knowing what good and bad.

Another can also not limit good householder to act foolish and bad as well. Goodness and evil-doing, and their results are his, nobody else in charge

[Samana Johann]

As for the OP-question "What stops me from unleashing the freedom and the power" (for long term happiness), it has to be said: wrong association.

Outwardly and inwardly "laying down" with the five evil friends (Nivaranas): sense-desire, ill-will, laziness, restlessness and doubt, hinders one to do any good work.

[Sushan]

Your reflection on the challenges and triumphs of embracing one's authentic self provides a profound exploration of identity and personal growth. While I agree that individual self-awareness and authentic living are critical for personal development, the notion of being "truly oneself" in a societal context is inherently complex.

Philosophically, the idea that we wear 'masks' can be seen through various lenses. Existentialists, particularly Jean-Paul Sartre, talked about 'bad faith'—a concept where individuals deny their true nature to conform to societal expectations. You correctly identify that these masks, sometimes protective, can prevent us from fully and authentically experiencing life.

However, completely removing these masks might not always be practical or beneficial. Society functions with a certain level of expectation and conformity, which, while often restrictive, also provides a framework within which we operate and interact. Your struggle with the reception of your authenticity resonates with the existential challenge of finding a balance between individual authenticity and social acceptability.

Moreover, the journey to self-discovery and shedding these masks, as you describe, is not merely about personal liberation but also involves navigating the social fabric that might not always be receptive or supportive. This dichotomy raises important philosophical questions about the nature of freedom and the essence of personal identity.

In addition, while your approach emphasizes intuition and a personal spiritual journey, one might argue that a purely introspective path risks overlooking the broader societal and relational contexts that shape us.

How do we reconcile our internal journey with external influences? How can we foster environments that encourage both individual authenticity and communal harmony?

Once again, I find your view engaging. Thank you.
I agree that the view of the masks we wear can be beneficial in some instances. However, from my own life experience, I strongly believe that letting go of these masks is important in identifying the true meaning of my own individual path and purpose. The danger of relying on masks is that they can ultimately consume us, which is the reason/root cause of core societal issues.

In my view, as we progress and grow, letting go of certain masks will allow us to transform into a more authentic version of ourselves ( all masks serve a temporal purpose in life), as discussed in the Unfakeable Code. Sometimes, we will lean to certain masks as a crutch due to subconsciously clinging to survival ( from trauma), and it is important to deal with such situations honestly, fearlessly, and with love. A nonaccepting society is a group of individuals ( again, my view obtained from experience of very political environments) who depict dictative tendencies and complex issues amplified through their possession of specific resources, allowing them such control.

An authentic individual or one that is growing in this direction may not fit in environments because of the social structure; they will either let go of this environment and move on to new environments supporting their next phase of growth towards being authentic or influence the experience of others revealing their own authenticity in their original environment.

I firmly believe that some of us will never realize that such masks exist and connect deeply with who we are in our timeline, and this is simply their journey ( I cannot control anyone's decisions in this regard nor force them to see what I see, even if I believe it's for their souls benefit). I can only strongly follow my intuition and create my own path with all that I experience; this is what I choose for myself. I have been shunned in some environments for this, but I have taken the lessons and moved forward focused on my authentic experiences and expressions. I have seen the positive differences my experience and my choices in my existence have made over time; in the community and society I am in, there are these beautiful rewarding instances that make all difficulties worth it. I have developed new relationships and improved compassion and understanding in old ones ( while still embracing differences). I have learned much more about who I am and what I can achieve through simply being me with much love.

It’s really admirable how you’ve taught yourself to steer clear of unaccepting crowds and have nurtured new relationships that support your authentic self. Your journey resonates deeply with the themes explored in the movie *The Invention of Lying*. In this film, everyone in the world always tells the truth until one character discovers how to lie. This shift changes everything, highlighting how complex and challenging constant honesty can be, yet also showing the profound impact of authenticity.

Just like in the movie, where the protagonist’s discovery of lying introduces new dynamics to human relationships, your move towards authenticity in a sometimes inauthentic world can shift dynamics around you. It’s interesting to consider how much of our social structure relies on unspoken agreements about what truths are acceptable, and what happens when someone breaks that mold.

Your experiences seem to echo the idea that being true to oneself, despite societal pressures, leads to richer and more meaningful interactions, much like the deeper truths the characters in the movie must confront once lying enters their world.

What do you think about the balance the movie strikes between the chaos caused by lying and the simplicity of truth? How does this compare to your experiences in navigating authenticity in real-world relationships?

[Sushan]

Your reflection on the challenges and triumphs of embracing one's authentic self provides a profound exploration of identity and personal growth. While I agree that individual self-awareness and authentic living are critical for personal development, the notion of being "truly oneself" in a societal context is inherently complex.

Philosophically, the idea that we wear 'masks' can be seen through various lenses. Existentialists, particularly Jean-Paul Sartre, talked about 'bad faith'—a concept where individuals deny their true nature to conform to societal expectations. You correctly identify that these masks, sometimes protective, can prevent us from fully and authentically experiencing life.

However, completely removing these masks might not always be practical or beneficial. Society functions with a certain level of expectation and conformity, which, while often restrictive, also provides a framework within which we operate and interact. Your struggle with the reception of your authenticity resonates with the existential challenge of finding a balance between individual authenticity and social acceptability.

Moreover, the journey to self-discovery and shedding these masks, as you describe, is not merely about personal liberation but also involves navigating the social fabric that might not always be receptive or supportive. This dichotomy raises important philosophical questions about the nature of freedom and the essence of personal identity.

In addition, while your approach emphasizes intuition and a personal spiritual journey, one might argue that a purely introspective path risks overlooking the broader societal and relational contexts that shape us.

How do we reconcile our internal journey with external influences? How can we foster environments that encourage both individual authenticity and communal harmony?

Once again, I find your view engaging. Thank you.
I agree that the view of the masks we wear can be beneficial in some instances. However, from my own life experience, I strongly believe that letting go of these masks is important in identifying the true meaning of my own individual path and purpose. The danger of relying on masks is that they can ultimately consume us, which is the reason/root cause of core societal issues.

In my view, as we progress and grow, letting go of certain masks will allow us to transform into a more authentic version of ourselves ( all masks serve a temporal purpose in life), as discussed in the Unfakeable Code. Sometimes, we will lean to certain masks as a crutch due to subconsciously clinging to survival ( from trauma), and it is important to deal with such situations honestly, fearlessly, and with love. A nonaccepting society is a group of individuals ( again, my view obtained from experience of very political environments) who depict dictative tendencies and complex issues amplified through their possession of specific resources, allowing them such control.

An authentic individual or one that is growing in this direction may not fit in environments because of the social structure; they will either let go of this environment and move on to new environments supporting their next phase of growth towards being authentic or influence the experience of others revealing their own authenticity in their original environment.

I firmly believe that some of us will never realize that such masks exist and connect deeply with who we are in our timeline, and this is simply their journey ( I cannot control anyone's decisions in this regard nor force them to see what I see, even if I believe it's for their souls benefit). I can only strongly follow my intuition and create my own path with all that I experience; this is what I choose for myself. I have been shunned in some environments for this, but I have taken the lessons and moved forward focused on my authentic experiences and expressions. I have seen the positive differences my experience and my choices in my existence have made over time; in the community and society I am in, there are these beautiful rewarding instances that make all difficulties worth it. I have developed new relationships and improved compassion and understanding in old ones ( while still embracing differences). I have learned much more about who I am and what I can achieve through simply being me with much love.

Shakespeare wrote Jaques' soliloque in As You Like It "All the World's a Stage". The stage at its best is about humanity and the conditions of human life: the stage, at its best, is not about people pretending that life is other than it is. Therefore the roles that we play throughout our lives are not to be viewed as masks hiding truth but as developments each one of which being appropriate to its time and place.
True, there are liars and cheats who do wear masks, but most people cooperate with each other.

Shakespeare's portrayal of life as a stage where we all play roles may still hold truth, but it's nuanced. While most people do indeed cooperate and engage honestly, the propensity for deception cannot be overlooked. Research suggests that a small fraction of people, often with traits like Machiavellianism or psychopathy, are responsible for a disproportionate amount of lying and manipulation in society (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/deception). Moreover, deception can sometimes be seen as necessary to avoid harm or to smooth social interactions, though it can undermine trust and damage relationships (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/deception).

Considering these insights, do you think Shakespeare's view adequately captures the complexities of modern human behavior, or is it an idealized version that overlooks the darker aspects of human nature?

[Belinda]

Your reflection on the challenges and triumphs of embracing one's authentic self provides a profound exploration of identity and personal growth. While I agree that individual self-awareness and authentic living are critical for personal development, the notion of being "truly oneself" in a societal context is inherently complex.

Philosophically, the idea that we wear 'masks' can be seen through various lenses. Existentialists, particularly Jean-Paul Sartre, talked about 'bad faith'—a concept where individuals deny their true nature to conform to societal expectations. You correctly identify that these masks, sometimes protective, can prevent us from fully and authentically experiencing life.

However, completely removing these masks might not always be practical or beneficial. Society functions with a certain level of expectation and conformity, which, while often restrictive, also provides a framework within which we operate and interact. Your struggle with the reception of your authenticity resonates with the existential challenge of finding a balance between individual authenticity and social acceptability.

Moreover, the journey to self-discovery and shedding these masks, as you describe, is not merely about personal liberation but also involves navigating the social fabric that might not always be receptive or supportive. This dichotomy raises important philosophical questions about the nature of freedom and the essence of personal identity.

In addition, while your approach emphasizes intuition and a personal spiritual journey, one might argue that a purely introspective path risks overlooking the broader societal and relational contexts that shape us.

How do we reconcile our internal journey with external influences? How can we foster environments that encourage both individual authenticity and communal harmony?

Once again, I find your view engaging. Thank you.
I agree that the view of the masks we wear can be beneficial in some instances. However, from my own life experience, I strongly believe that letting go of these masks is important in identifying the true meaning of my own individual path and purpose. The danger of relying on masks is that they can ultimately consume us, which is the reason/root cause of core societal issues.

In my view, as we progress and grow, letting go of certain masks will allow us to transform into a more authentic version of ourselves ( all masks serve a temporal purpose in life), as discussed in the Unfakeable Code. Sometimes, we will lean to certain masks as a crutch due to subconsciously clinging to survival ( from trauma), and it is important to deal with such situations honestly, fearlessly, and with love. A nonaccepting society is a group of individuals ( again, my view obtained from experience of very political environments) who depict dictative tendencies and complex issues amplified through their possession of specific resources, allowing them such control.

An authentic individual or one that is growing in this direction may not fit in environments because of the social structure; they will either let go of this environment and move on to new environments supporting their next phase of growth towards being authentic or influence the experience of others revealing their own authenticity in their original environment.

I firmly believe that some of us will never realize that such masks exist and connect deeply with who we are in our timeline, and this is simply their journey ( I cannot control anyone's decisions in this regard nor force them to see what I see, even if I believe it's for their souls benefit). I can only strongly follow my intuition and create my own path with all that I experience; this is what I choose for myself. I have been shunned in some environments for this, but I have taken the lessons and moved forward focused on my authentic experiences and expressions. I have seen the positive differences my experience and my choices in my existence have made over time; in the community and society I am in, there are these beautiful rewarding instances that make all difficulties worth it. I have developed new relationships and improved compassion and understanding in old ones ( while still embracing differences). I have learned much more about who I am and what I can achieve through simply being me with much love.

Shakespeare wrote Jaques' soliloque in As You Like It "All the World's a Stage". The stage at its best is about humanity and the conditions of human life: the stage, at its best, is not about people pretending that life is other than it is. Therefore the roles that we play throughout our lives are not to be viewed as masks hiding truth but as developments each one of which being appropriate to its time and place.
True, there are liars and cheats who do wear masks, but most people cooperate with each other.

Shakespeare's portrayal of life as a stage where we all play roles may still hold truth, but it's nuanced. While most people do indeed cooperate and engage honestly, the propensity for deception cannot be overlooked. Research suggests that a small fraction of people, often with traits like Machiavellianism or psychopathy, are responsible for a disproportionate amount of lying and manipulation in society (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/deception). Moreover, deception can sometimes be seen as necessary to avoid harm or to smooth social interactions, though it can undermine trust and damage relationships (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/deception).

Considering these insights, do you think Shakespeare's view adequately captures the complexities of modern human behavior, or is it an idealized version that overlooks the darker aspects of human nature?

I think it's an idealised version: As You Like It is well named, it's a comedy. For the darker aspects we look at tragedies. Isn't it all right to laugh at ourselves as comparatively powerless beings swept along by time and tide? Both comedy and tragedy are good and true when the intention of the author is to tell the truth, and comedy and tragedy are bad and false when the intention of the author is to tell falsehoods or part truths in order enrich or empower herself to the disadvantage of others.

Masks, and role playing can be subjected to the same criterion,as any stories that we tell, that evaluating human behaviour should be based upon the intention of the agent of the behaviour.

[Sushan]

Once again, I find your view engaging. Thank you.
I agree that the view of the masks we wear can be beneficial in some instances. However, from my own life experience, I strongly believe that letting go of these masks is important in identifying the true meaning of my own individual path and purpose. The danger of relying on masks is that they can ultimately consume us, which is the reason/root cause of core societal issues.

In my view, as we progress and grow, letting go of certain masks will allow us to transform into a more authentic version of ourselves ( all masks serve a temporal purpose in life), as discussed in the Unfakeable Code. Sometimes, we will lean to certain masks as a crutch due to subconsciously clinging to survival ( from trauma), and it is important to deal with such situations honestly, fearlessly, and with love. A nonaccepting society is a group of individuals ( again, my view obtained from experience of very political environments) who depict dictative tendencies and complex issues amplified through their possession of specific resources, allowing them such control.

An authentic individual or one that is growing in this direction may not fit in environments because of the social structure; they will either let go of this environment and move on to new environments supporting their next phase of growth towards being authentic or influence the experience of others revealing their own authenticity in their original environment.

I firmly believe that some of us will never realize that such masks exist and connect deeply with who we are in our timeline, and this is simply their journey ( I cannot control anyone's decisions in this regard nor force them to see what I see, even if I believe it's for their souls benefit). I can only strongly follow my intuition and create my own path with all that I experience; this is what I choose for myself. I have been shunned in some environments for this, but I have taken the lessons and moved forward focused on my authentic experiences and expressions. I have seen the positive differences my experience and my choices in my existence have made over time; in the community and society I am in, there are these beautiful rewarding instances that make all difficulties worth it. I have developed new relationships and improved compassion and understanding in old ones ( while still embracing differences). I have learned much more about who I am and what I can achieve through simply being me with much love.

Shakespeare wrote Jaques' soliloque in As You Like It "All the World's a Stage". The stage at its best is about humanity and the conditions of human life: the stage, at its best, is not about people pretending that life is other than it is. Therefore the roles that we play throughout our lives are not to be viewed as masks hiding truth but as developments each one of which being appropriate to its time and place.
True, there are liars and cheats who do wear masks, but most people cooperate with each other.

Shakespeare's portrayal of life as a stage where we all play roles may still hold truth, but it's nuanced. While most people do indeed cooperate and engage honestly, the propensity for deception cannot be overlooked. Research suggests that a small fraction of people, often with traits like Machiavellianism or psychopathy, are responsible for a disproportionate amount of lying and manipulation in society (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/deception). Moreover, deception can sometimes be seen as necessary to avoid harm or to smooth social interactions, though it can undermine trust and damage relationships (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/deception).

Considering these insights, do you think Shakespeare's view adequately captures the complexities of modern human behavior, or is it an idealized version that overlooks the darker aspects of human nature?

I think it's an idealised version: As You Like It is well named, it's a comedy. For the darker aspects we look at tragedies. Isn't it all right to laugh at ourselves as comparatively powerless beings swept along by time and tide? Both comedy and tragedy are good and true when the intention of the author is to tell the truth, and comedy and tragedy are bad and false when the intention of the author is to tell falsehoods or part truths in order enrich or empower herself to the disadvantage of others.

Masks, and role playing can be subjected to the same criterion,as any stories that we tell, that evaluating human behaviour should be based upon the intention of the agent of the behaviour.

Your perspective on Shakespeare’s As You Like It raises intriguing thoughts about the roles we all play and their relation to authenticity. The differentiation between comedy and tragedy in representing human behavior is interesting. I agree that intention matters deeply, as does the ethical framework within which people perform their roles.

You mentioned how masks and role-playing can be judged based on intention. However, intention can be complex, shaped by various internal and external pressures. For instance, some roles might be taken on not out of a desire to deceive but as a form of protection or adaptation to societal expectations. The ethical gray area in these cases brings up questions about how to assess intention when the line between authenticity and pretense blurs.

In your view, how might we differentiate between well-intentioned role-playing and roles adopted for personal gain at the expense of others? And how should we account for changing societal norms when judging whether a role is genuine or misleading?

[Jenna Padayachee]

Your reflection on the challenges and triumphs of embracing one's authentic self provides a profound exploration of identity and personal growth. While I agree that individual self-awareness and authentic living are critical for personal development, the notion of being "truly oneself" in a societal context is inherently complex.

Philosophically, the idea that we wear 'masks' can be seen through various lenses. Existentialists, particularly Jean-Paul Sartre, talked about 'bad faith'—a concept where individuals deny their true nature to conform to societal expectations. You correctly identify that these masks, sometimes protective, can prevent us from fully and authentically experiencing life.

However, completely removing these masks might not always be practical or beneficial. Society functions with a certain level of expectation and conformity, which, while often restrictive, also provides a framework within which we operate and interact. Your struggle with the reception of your authenticity resonates with the existential challenge of finding a balance between individual authenticity and social acceptability.

Moreover, the journey to self-discovery and shedding these masks, as you describe, is not merely about personal liberation but also involves navigating the social fabric that might not always be receptive or supportive. This dichotomy raises important philosophical questions about the nature of freedom and the essence of personal identity.

In addition, while your approach emphasizes intuition and a personal spiritual journey, one might argue that a purely introspective path risks overlooking the broader societal and relational contexts that shape us.

How do we reconcile our internal journey with external influences? How can we foster environments that encourage both individual authenticity and communal harmony?

Once again, I find your view engaging. Thank you.
I agree that the view of the masks we wear can be beneficial in some instances. However, from my own life experience, I strongly believe that letting go of these masks is important in identifying the true meaning of my own individual path and purpose. The danger of relying on masks is that they can ultimately consume us, which is the reason/root cause of core societal issues.

In my view, as we progress and grow, letting go of certain masks will allow us to transform into a more authentic version of ourselves ( all masks serve a temporal purpose in life), as discussed in the Unfakeable Code. Sometimes, we will lean to certain masks as a crutch due to subconsciously clinging to survival ( from trauma), and it is important to deal with such situations honestly, fearlessly, and with love. A nonaccepting society is a group of individuals ( again, my view obtained from experience of very political environments) who depict dictative tendencies and complex issues amplified through their possession of specific resources, allowing them such control.

An authentic individual or one that is growing in this direction may not fit in environments because of the social structure; they will either let go of this environment and move on to new environments supporting their next phase of growth towards being authentic or influence the experience of others revealing their own authenticity in their original environment.

I firmly believe that some of us will never realize that such masks exist and connect deeply with who we are in our timeline, and this is simply their journey ( I cannot control anyone's decisions in this regard nor force them to see what I see, even if I believe it's for their souls benefit). I can only strongly follow my intuition and create my own path with all that I experience; this is what I choose for myself. I have been shunned in some environments for this, but I have taken the lessons and moved forward focused on my authentic experiences and expressions. I have seen the positive differences my experience and my choices in my existence have made over time; in the community and society I am in, there are these beautiful rewarding instances that make all difficulties worth it. I have developed new relationships and improved compassion and understanding in old ones ( while still embracing differences). I have learned much more about who I am and what I can achieve through simply being me with much love.

It’s really admirable how you’ve taught yourself to steer clear of unaccepting crowds and have nurtured new relationships that support your authentic self. Your journey resonates deeply with the themes explored in the movie *The Invention of Lying*. In this film, everyone in the world always tells the truth until one character discovers how to lie. This shift changes everything, highlighting how complex and challenging constant honesty can be, yet also showing the profound impact of authenticity.

Just like in the movie, where the protagonist’s discovery of lying introduces new dynamics to human relationships, your move towards authenticity in a sometimes inauthentic world can shift dynamics around you. It’s interesting to consider how much of our social structure relies on unspoken agreements about what truths are acceptable and what happens when someone breaks that mold.

Your experiences seem to echo the idea that being true to oneself, despite societal pressures, leads to richer and more meaningful interactions, much like the deeper truths the characters in the movie must confront once lying enters their world.

What do you think about the balance the movie strikes between the chaos caused by lying and the simplicity of truth? How does this compare to your experiences in navigating authenticity in real-world relationships?

Thank you, Sushan. I have stared into the abyss of monsters, darkness, and death, so to speak. My initial naivety, fears, and social conditioning have put me into some interesting corners of suffocation, and it is my love for the Divine that has led me out. I am eternally grateful now for all of it, as it has changed my view and strengthened me to forge forward in my journey. I resonate deeply with Rumi's poetry. When I look at the world and people despite the darkness projected, I choose to celebrate life and its essence of light. I keep on choosing love ( in its holistic essence). The more I choose it, the more I submit to the Divine essence; it feels right for me. As I choose to walk "( in authenticity/letting go of masks I used) " on the way, the way appears".

Concentrating too much on the darkness or delusions will simply allow it to consume you ( I have come close many times). The "Lord of The Rings (Trilogy by Peter Jackson)" happens to be one of my favorite cinematic translations of JRR Tolkien books. All of the good-natured characters are tested with the potential of evil on many levels throughout. We experience a wide range of outcomes based on what the characters choose ultimately. The one scene that sticks into my mind, in particular, is when Frodo, together with Sam and Gollum, travels through the wetlands (which contain a collection of pools with dead faces /"Dead Marshes), and Frodo stares at one of the "lights' (an illusion), his focus is actually on one of the dead faces, causing him to be entranced and he falls into the water, and the dead marshes nearly consumes his being.
Also, the popular quote, " He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And if you gaze long enough into an abyss, the abyss also gazes into you," surfaces to my mind. Focusing too long on battles with ourselves and with one's ego can lead to this fate. At some point, it helps to sit and observe yourself and your essence and find your " true north'.

It makes sense to seek the light of the truth and follow its lead.

I am very interested in searching for this movie, " The Invention of Lying." It sounds realistic and thought-provoking. Thanks for sharing it!! Based on your wonderful elaboration of its contents, I can tell you upfront that the only reason I believe the truth hurts is when we don't love ourselves enough to trust in who we truly are and express it, e.g I believe I am beautiful, but I will not fit everyone's idea of beautiful and the minute I start prioritizing and focusing on everyone else's destructive criticism, I break down ( I may end up spending money and my life trying to chase this acceptable "fleeting" idea of beauty). Lies allow us to fit in and avoid confrontation, it's an easy route to take and sometimes appears to be filled with the illusion of light and adventure.
Loving myself and accepting the reality that others may find me in whatever way they feel or see and judge, accepting this with peace and healthy assertion. yet choosing to focus on me and my essence, my path, and what my Creator has blessed me with allows me to keep moving forward on my journey with honor ( to my creator) and grace and "live" fully. This, for me, is worth my time.

[Jenna Padayachee]

Your reflection on the challenges and triumphs of embracing one's authentic self provides a profound exploration of identity and personal growth. While I agree that individual self-awareness and authentic living are critical for personal development, the notion of being "truly oneself" in a societal context is inherently complex.

Philosophically, the idea that we wear 'masks' can be seen through various lenses. Existentialists, particularly Jean-Paul Sartre, talked about 'bad faith'—a concept where individuals deny their true nature to conform to societal expectations. You correctly identify that these masks, sometimes protective, can prevent us from fully and authentically experiencing life.

However, completely removing these masks might not always be practical or beneficial. Society functions with a certain level of expectation and conformity, which, while often restrictive, also provides a framework within which we operate and interact. Your struggle with the reception of your authenticity resonates with the existential challenge of finding a balance between individual authenticity and social acceptability.

Moreover, the journey to self-discovery and shedding these masks, as you describe, is not merely about personal liberation but also involves navigating the social fabric that might not always be receptive or supportive. This dichotomy raises important philosophical questions about the nature of freedom and the essence of personal identity.

In addition, while your approach emphasizes intuition and a personal spiritual journey, one might argue that a purely introspective path risks overlooking the broader societal and relational contexts that shape us.

How do we reconcile our internal journey with external influences? How can we foster environments that encourage both individual authenticity and communal harmony?

Once again, I find your view engaging. Thank you.
I agree that the view of the masks we wear can be beneficial in some instances. However, from my own life experience, I strongly believe that letting go of these masks is important in identifying the true meaning of my own individual path and purpose. The danger of relying on masks is that they can ultimately consume us, which is the reason/root cause of core societal issues.

In my view, as we progress and grow, letting go of certain masks will allow us to transform into a more authentic version of ourselves ( all masks serve a temporal purpose in life), as discussed in the Unfakeable Code. Sometimes, we will lean to certain masks as a crutch due to subconsciously clinging to survival ( from trauma), and it is important to deal with such situations honestly, fearlessly, and with love. A nonaccepting society is a group of individuals ( again, my view obtained from experience of very political environments) who depict dictative tendencies and complex issues amplified through their possession of specific resources, allowing them such control.

An authentic individual or one that is growing in this direction may not fit in environments because of the social structure; they will either let go of this environment and move on to new environments supporting their next phase of growth towards being authentic or influence the experience of others revealing their own authenticity in their original environment.

I firmly believe that some of us will never realize that such masks exist and connect deeply with who we are in our timeline, and this is simply their journey ( I cannot control anyone's decisions in this regard nor force them to see what I see, even if I believe it's for their souls benefit). I can only strongly follow my intuition and create my own path with all that I experience; this is what I choose for myself. I have been shunned in some environments for this, but I have taken the lessons and moved forward focused on my authentic experiences and expressions. I have seen the positive differences my experience and my choices in my existence have made over time; in the community and society I am in, there are these beautiful rewarding instances that make all difficulties worth it. I have developed new relationships and improved compassion and understanding in old ones ( while still embracing differences). I have learned much more about who I am and what I can achieve through simply being me with much love.

Shakespeare wrote Jaques' soliloque in As You Like It "All the World's a Stage". The stage at its best is about humanity and the conditions of human life: the stage, at its best, is not about people pretending that life is other than it is. Therefore the roles that we play throughout our lives are not to be viewed as masks hiding truth but as developments each one of which being appropriate to its time and place.
True, there are liars and cheats who do wear masks, but most people cooperate with each other.

Once again, I find your view engaging. Thank you.
I agree that the view of the masks we wear can be beneficial in some instances. However, from my own life experience, I strongly believe that letting go of these masks is important in identifying the true meaning of my own individual path and purpose. The danger of relying on masks is that they can ultimately consume us, which is the reason/root cause of core societal issues.

In my view, as we progress and grow, letting go of certain masks will allow us to transform into a more authentic version of ourselves ( all masks serve a temporal purpose in life), as discussed in the Unfakeable Code. Sometimes, we will lean to certain masks as a crutch due to subconsciously clinging to survival ( from trauma), and it is important to deal with such situations honestly, fearlessly, and with love. A nonaccepting society is a group of individuals ( again, my view obtained from experience of very political environments) who depict dictative tendencies and complex issues amplified through their possession of specific resources, allowing them such control.

An authentic individual or one that is growing in this direction may not fit in environments because of the social structure; they will either let go of this environment and move on to new environments supporting their next phase of growth towards being authentic or influence the experience of others revealing their own authenticity in their original environment.

I firmly believe that some of us will never realize that such masks exist and connect deeply with who we are in our timeline, and this is simply their journey ( I cannot control anyone's decisions in this regard nor force them to see what I see, even if I believe it's for their souls benefit). I can only strongly follow my intuition and create my own path with all that I experience; this is what I choose for myself. I have been shunned in some environments for this, but I have taken the lessons and moved forward focused on my authentic experiences and expressions. I have seen the positive differences my experience and my choices in my existence have made over time; in the community and society I am in, there are these beautiful rewarding instances that make all difficulties worth it. I have developed new relationships and improved compassion and understanding in old ones ( while still embracing differences). I have learned much more about who I am and what I can achieve through simply being me with much love.

Shakespeare wrote Jaques' soliloque in As You Like It "All the World's a Stage". The stage at its best is about humanity and the conditions of human life: the stage, at its best, is not about people pretending that life is other than it is. Therefore the roles that we play throughout our lives are not to be viewed as masks hiding truth but as developments each one of which being appropriate to its time and place.
True, there are liars and cheats who do wear masks, but most people cooperate with each other.

Shakespeare's portrayal of life as a stage where we all play roles may still hold truth, but it's nuanced. While most people do indeed cooperate and engage honestly, the propensity for deception cannot be overlooked. Research suggests that a small fraction of people, often with traits like Machiavellianism or psychopathy, are responsible for a disproportionate amount of lying and manipulation in society (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/deception). Moreover, deception can sometimes be seen as necessary to avoid harm or to smooth social interactions, though it can undermine trust and damage relationships (https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/deception).

Considering these insights, do you think Shakespeare's view adequately captures the complexities of modern human behavior, or is it an idealized version that overlooks the darker aspects of human nature?

I think it's an idealised version: As You Like It is well named, it's a comedy. For the darker aspects we look at tragedies. Isn't it all right to laugh at ourselves as comparatively powerless beings swept along by time and tide? Both comedy and tragedy are good and true when the intention of the author is to tell the truth, and comedy and tragedy are bad and false when the intention of the author is to tell falsehoods or part truths in order enrich or empower herself to the disadvantage of others.

Masks, and role playing can be subjected to the same criterion,as any stories that we tell, that evaluating human behaviour should be based upon the intention of the agent of the behaviour.

Belinda,
An interesting view. Shakespeare's expression overall is interesting and has got me contemplating.
In terms of human drama, he is appealing to an audience's senses via the format of entertainment; I believe Shakespeare has reached many who grasp such content positively, deeply, impactfully, and on various levels in terms of an individual's context and perception level. Shakespeare makes sense to a degree for me in showing us yes that the world is a stage, but I do, however, believe that the range of characters on this stage is diverse and not all things that contribute to this play are predictable, nor does everything always follow a script. In this first and initial "stage", we as human beings are prescribed certain roles, often by societal/cultural norms. Some characters realize that this is not a "role" for them and return to these theatrical "masks" or simply break them; they create new ones, develop improv, or explore their own innate potential and start directing their own plays. Tragedies can either swallow us whole into a dark abyss, numb us, or refine our path (we ultimately choose).

[AGBATA DONALD Chidera]

The main thing stopping me from being who I really want to be is my lack of self-discipline. I often do things I’m not proud of because I can't control myself

[Stephanie Walker 11]

I feel like the location where I'm at has stopped me to an extent. Sometimes I just want to travel and try some stuff I really want to. Location is a factor for growth.

[Sushan]

My lack of self discipline is my biggest factor that hinders from being who I really want to be. I do a lot of things I'm not proud of because I lack the discipline to control myself.

Maintaining self-discipline while attempting to live true to who you are can be really difficult. It is disheartening when I find myself in similar circumstances and fall back on behaviours that don't fit with who I want to be. Discipline must be viewed as a muscle that develops with time.

Sometimes it's better to start small rather than make big changes all at once. It might be as simple as making one daily objective and seeing it through. Over time, one can progressively add more.

It's also simple to fall into a vicious cycle of guilt by blaming oneself. But getting back on track is what matters.

[Sushan]

My lack of self discipline is my biggest factor that hinders from being who I really want to be. I do a lot of things I'm not proud of because I lack the discipline to control myself.

I wonder if lacking the discipline to control oneself is mainly caused by lacking long term goals.
Actions have consequences and if one can predict what these consequences will be , then one will not react to emotions but instead reflect before acting. That's to say giving up the pleasure of reacting to an emotion in order to get something better some time later.

"Control myself" is an interesting phrase which a lot of people say. But "Myself" is not a thing until the moment my life stops. This is because a self is a process , a thing in the making, not fixed but free . This is why slavery is intrinsically evil because enslaving another deprives them of not only all their time and all their energy but also their freedom to create their self, a lifelong project.

And that is why I label myself "socialist".Because I want everybody to help every else to be as free as possible to create themselves going on into the future. Obviously, as has been described in the previous posts ,some individuals have less opportunity to create their selves due to the factors that have been listed within this conversation; socialism aims to make opportunities more accessible to everybody equally. Having said this, it's not good and true to make excuses for one's failures by blaming some circumstance that is actually surmountable.

I appreciate your viewpoint regarding the concept of the "self" as something that is always changing. we need to see ourselves as works in progress so then we can be a little more understanding of our own shortcomings because they don't define who we are in the long run.

It’s easier to stick to a certain behaviour when we can visualize the consequences. I think a lot of people struggle with this because the immediate emotional reaction can feel so much stronger than some distant outcome we might benefit from later on. It takes practice to pause and choose reflection over reaction.

Your point about socialism is fascinating. I hadn’t really thought of it that way—linking the idea of self-creation to societal structures. It makes me think about how the environment around us either supports or limits our ability to grow into who we really want to be.

[Sushan]

It's hard to have freedom in my situation, but I have a dream that tells me I am already free. What stopped me before was thinking people were after me wherever I went. It feels like I have made big mistakes toward other people. The power of my authentic self is really amazing because it deals on how to be who I am not to be someone else that I should not to be like others. Having an authentic self is really important for the growth of every individual.

I think sometimes the hardest battles are the ones we have with our own thoughts and past. The feeling of people being after you or the weight of past mistakes can be so overwhelming. Acknowledging those feelings is a huge step towards moving forward.

I love what you said about the power of your authentic self. Being true to yourself and not trying to fit into someone else’s mold is really important. It is not always easy, and yes, usually doing the right thing is difficult.

[Sushan]

Various factors can hinder the expression of our true authentic selves, including societal norms, fear of judgment or rejection, self-doubt, past traumas, and external pressures to conform. Embracing one's true self often requires courage, self-awareness, and acceptance of vulnerability.

It seems as you are discussing a pretty important topic here. It is true that we are often prevented from being who we really are by a combination of external demands and internal worries. Sometimes it feels like we have to constantly find a way to combine upholding our own authenticity with meeting the expectations of others.

However, I also believe it's important to recognize that the path to authenticity isn't straightforward. No single solution works for everyone, and it can take a long time. For me, identifying when I'm acting more out of fear or uncertainty than out of my own self depends largely on my level of self-awareness. Even so, breaking out of such patterns requires a great deal of bravery, particularly when vulnerability is involved.