Philosophy Discussion Forums

This is a discussion forum topic about the April 2023 Philosophy Book of the Month, The Unfakeable Code® by Tony Jeton Selimi


This passage from page of 72 of The Unfakeable Code® really resonated with me:

Tony Jeton Selimi (The Unfakeable Code®, page 72) wrote:You may be greeted with an aggressive manner by some people, who show closed body language and looks and relay hostile intentions towards you. Your body will also feel the negative energy radiating from the masked, wounded persona who at that moment is communicating with you.

If this happens, remember that there is an authentic persona present in them too. Use the concepts shared in this book to connect to their authentic self, in terms of what they value the most. Don’t forget that every one of those people you may have met, is just like you. They will use a certain mask to identify themselves at certain moments. If you met them in another moment, where your values are more aligned with each other, let’s say for example, at a charity you both support, and you ask the very same questions, you will find that the new persona they exhibit who is more co-operative and willing to share, has emerged.

Every thinkable label known to humankind, such as being a doctor, social worker, waiter, scientist, philosopher, entrepreneur, gay man, straight man, coach, mentor, teacher, mother, father, prime minister, HRH the Queen, a celebrity, is nothing more than a transient persona identity that serves you until you are ready to face the truth being your unfakeable individual self.

In fact, it reminded of this passage from my own book, In It Together.

I'm especially reminded of the part where I talk about being a "blue shirt guy" or "red shirt guy". (Or, more accurately, about not ever really being one or the other, or any mask, persona, or other changeable clothes, whether figurative or literal.)

I'm even considering adding the above quote from  The Unfakeable Code® to an updated version of my book, since I feel the two passages correspond so well.

Perhaps most of all, I love the last paragraph quoted above, in which Tony writes, "Every thinkable label known to humankind [...] is nothing more than a transient persona identity that serves you until you are ready to face the truth being your unfakeable individual self."

I think it's both true and beautifully said.

What do you think?

Yes, people wear masks depending on the circumstance, and we frequently overlook the genuine person that is beneath those masks. And it is interesting to consider how we live our lives in a world where jobs and labels govern us.

What really strikes me is how the author points out that if you meet someone in a different setting—say, at a charity event you both support—their persona might completely change. It is a powerful reminder to not judge someone based on a single encounter because the context can completely alter their manners.

It is awesome that you are thinking about including that quote in your book.