Thanks for sharing this. I understand what you mean. I hope others read your comments and leave their impressions and beliefs. I think Brando is saying we do more than show sides of ourselves, like you said, we do what is needed at the time so life, we think anyway, is less difficult. That means we are lying and not being ourselves, in my pov. Mostly I am thinking about little ways we feign being one thing or another. It is fine to disagree, and actually that always helps discussion to disagree. But, again, I hope people comment. I would like to know more.
It does not feel dishonest to me. It’s like speaking with a three-year-old. You ain’t discussing philosophy with the kid, so you move to his level and show a side of yourself you normally only show puppies. It’s still you though.
Now maybe Brando, in talking acting, incorporated more dishonesty. Acting means being something you are not. But in real life, what he called acting I call showing different sides of myself.
I see. We are just in opposite corners on this one. I’ve always been very aware of social exchanges of every kind. It’s kind of a southern thing, but I’ve never really trusted what I see because I know everything is a show. Everything is public it seems.
Ahhhh, Strawbridge, you have hit upon a topic which I have always found fascinating. However, I have a little different take. I, frequently, talk and teach to others the phenomenon of "people wearing masks." I believe that we all wear masks. Much like the actors in the Greek plays, but more subtle. As you note in your piece, we are usually protective of what is on our mind. This is not deception. Let me give you a current example. I have been in the dark tunnel of the Leukemia train for the past 6-7 years. The darkness dominates my very being and talks of the future make me pause, and silently, take a breath. You are a logical individual and you are to surprised that I do not lead off every piece I write on Substack intimating my fear. I wear the mask of, hopefully, a thoughtful person desirous of spreading collected wisdom in the form of epiphany seeds. Right? Am I being deceptive? I posit that I am struggling to live through it and not burden my reader with my dark place; want to avoid inviting anyone to my place. Surely, in four or five pieces, my health issues, recently revealed, will be forgotten and I will be back to "Johnny [Appleseed] Epiphany Seed" Benn, as I have always been. As you have continued to write and reveal more of who you are, you were not, previously, deceptive. You simply did what I often point out to my friends: you wore your mask well.
I got so much out of this stack- I too, hang on every word and sometimes social interactions can be brutal - I have learned - painfully at times, friendships also ending - how to set boundaries.
Yes, boundaries are a must. Some will never learn them unless they are spoken out loud. I think we have some things in common. For me, there is still too much going on most of the time and I am taking it all in plus taking things said too literally. Brutal is a great word to describe it. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
We have some things in common Laurie. I noticed that from your writings as well. I am very serious about keeping out of petty conflicts to rest myself.
I have my work self.
I have my play self.
I have my Substack self.
I have my family self.
I act differently in each case, but it’s not being dishonest. I am merely showing different sides of my personality. But they are a part of me.
Showing one facet is not being dishonest, it is, as Brando said, simply a way of moving through each experience smoothly.
Thanks for sharing this. I understand what you mean. I hope others read your comments and leave their impressions and beliefs. I think Brando is saying we do more than show sides of ourselves, like you said, we do what is needed at the time so life, we think anyway, is less difficult. That means we are lying and not being ourselves, in my pov. Mostly I am thinking about little ways we feign being one thing or another. It is fine to disagree, and actually that always helps discussion to disagree. But, again, I hope people comment. I would like to know more.
It does not feel dishonest to me. It’s like speaking with a three-year-old. You ain’t discussing philosophy with the kid, so you move to his level and show a side of yourself you normally only show puppies. It’s still you though.
Now maybe Brando, in talking acting, incorporated more dishonesty. Acting means being something you are not. But in real life, what he called acting I call showing different sides of myself.
I see. We are just in opposite corners on this one. I’ve always been very aware of social exchanges of every kind. It’s kind of a southern thing, but I’ve never really trusted what I see because I know everything is a show. Everything is public it seems.
If we disagree, I think it’s whether or not what we show others is our true selves or just an act.
I think you’re right.
Ahhhh, Strawbridge, you have hit upon a topic which I have always found fascinating. However, I have a little different take. I, frequently, talk and teach to others the phenomenon of "people wearing masks." I believe that we all wear masks. Much like the actors in the Greek plays, but more subtle. As you note in your piece, we are usually protective of what is on our mind. This is not deception. Let me give you a current example. I have been in the dark tunnel of the Leukemia train for the past 6-7 years. The darkness dominates my very being and talks of the future make me pause, and silently, take a breath. You are a logical individual and you are to surprised that I do not lead off every piece I write on Substack intimating my fear. I wear the mask of, hopefully, a thoughtful person desirous of spreading collected wisdom in the form of epiphany seeds. Right? Am I being deceptive? I posit that I am struggling to live through it and not burden my reader with my dark place; want to avoid inviting anyone to my place. Surely, in four or five pieces, my health issues, recently revealed, will be forgotten and I will be back to "Johnny [Appleseed] Epiphany Seed" Benn, as I have always been. As you have continued to write and reveal more of who you are, you were not, previously, deceptive. You simply did what I often point out to my friends: you wore your mask well.
Benn, thanks so much for reading and sharing, and restacking. I think I replied on the Note, but I meant to reply here.
I got so much out of this stack- I too, hang on every word and sometimes social interactions can be brutal - I have learned - painfully at times, friendships also ending - how to set boundaries.
Yes, boundaries are a must. Some will never learn them unless they are spoken out loud. I think we have some things in common. For me, there is still too much going on most of the time and I am taking it all in plus taking things said too literally. Brutal is a great word to describe it. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts.
Yes brutal!! My brain. That's why I do treasure sleep and rest bc it's the only time I can really turn it off - healthily
We have some things in common Laurie. I noticed that from your writings as well. I am very serious about keeping out of petty conflicts to rest myself.
Yes indeed ! I agree !!