The Deception We Call “Self”: Why Your Identity Isn’t Yours

Every child grows up being told who they are.

Parents, teachers, society at large—everyone’s got a piece of the puzzle, a little contribution to the grand lie we call identity. We raise our children within these confines, crafting their sense of self from the scraps of societal norms. It’s a grand performance…

…but what if the act never ends? Let’s dive in.

The Birth of the False Self

From the moment we take our first breath, labels and expectations are thrust upon us.

Little Johnny is a “good boy,” while Sally is a “bright girl.” These labels stick, becoming the foundation of a false self.

By the time they hit puberty, the mold is nearly set, and their metaphysical, mental, and spiritual development is stunted. Let’s clarify: this isn’t some grand conspiracy. It’s not that your parents were plotting your spiritual demise over bedtime stories. It’s the result of generations of conditioning, a societal momentum that’s nearly impossible to resist.

We’re biological beings, yes, but far more significant is our metaphysical essence…

…something the world would rather you forget.

Breaking the Chains of Societal Norms

Now, imagine for a moment you’re a fish. You’ve spent your entire life in water.

Suddenly, someone tells you about the concept of “dry.” Bewildering, right? That’s the same bewilderment most people face when they encounter the notion of a true self versus a socially constructed self.

Most prefer the comfort of their fishbowl, where things make sense, even if that sense is a complete fabrication. Society loves its molds. You fit in, or you don’t. You play by the rules, or you’re outcast. This is the iron grip of societal norms. It shapes us, and in shaping us, it limits us.

We see ourselves as physical entities, forgetting the metaphysical reality that forms our core. When was the last time you questioned who you really are? Not the name on your ID…