Persona. The mask we wear for the world. It is not necessarily a lie. But rather it is the aspect we choose to present to others. Each of us has a set of 'masks' worn according to social or professional context. The student differs from the son who differs from the friend. It is a way to adapt and protect oneself. Or perhaps to hide some truths. This complex psychological concept is the focus of these sayings.
“When I was 9, I saw a wrestler on television named Gorgeous George. He said, "I'm beautiful. I'm so pretty that if a sucker touches my face, I'll kill him. If he messes with my hair, I'll pummel him." I said to myself, "That's a good idea. I am the greatest, I'm pretty." And then I took it a little further than he did.”
“Identification with one's office or title is very attractive indeed, which is precisely why so many men are nothing more than the decorum accorded to them by society. In vain would one look for a personality behind the husk. Underneath one would find a very pitiable little creature. That is why the office is so attractive: it offers easy compensation for personal deficiencies.”
