1. Who we think we are
2. Who others think we are
3. Who we really are
This same sentiment is being taught in interpersonal communication classes across the country (See, the ancient Druids were smart.) e all think of ourselves as either better or worse than we really are. Very few people have the clarity to see themselves as they really are. And how others see us is as integral to our being as how we see ourselves, whether we admit it or not (Just try going to a job interview in your "Rocky Horror" outfit). And there is a part of us that we don't know about, that others don't know about. It only comes out when we think all is lost, or it is needed. That's why people are so often suprised by their own actions.
Which of these is most important? If I believe I'm a great thinker, and others believe I'm a great thinker (And believe me, they don't), does it matter if I'm really not a great thinker? Or if I don't believe i can run a marathon, but my friends and family believe I can, and by Odin I run that ungodly 26.2 miles, what does that say about me as a person (as opposed to me as a cabbage)? Psychologists tell us that if we tell a child continually that it is bad, it will end up bad. It's called self-fulfilling prophecy (And ever since then, I've been disseminated- c. Soul Coughing) So who are we really?
I'm Ken Feucht, and I need to be alone for a while.