The Mask That Out-masks All Masks

“Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth.” ~Oscar Wilde

If the Self is defined as ‘masks all the way down perceiving delusions all the way up,’ then the mask that out-masks all masks must be a mask that transcends identity itself.

The only mask that could outshine or outmaneuver all other layers of identity we might adopt would have to be a mask that we use as a tool to outflank any conceivable persona we could imagine, to include the persona of the authentic self. This would mean purposefully donning a "mask" that is authentically contrarian and genuinely practices nonattachment, a mask that elevates us above the battlefield of the human condition.

This takes the concept into a realm of advanced philosophical and psychological strategy, where the "mask" becomes a tool which transcends even the authentic self by adopting a meta-level approach to identity. This would have to be a mask that is both contrarian and nonattached to any outcome. Let’s break it down…

The Mask of Contrarian Nonattachment:

“Receive without pride. Let go without attachment.” ~Marcus Aurelius

This mask would embody the Buddhist principle of nonattachment (vairagya in yoga philosophy), where one does not cling to any identity, including the notion of an authentic self. By not being attached to any persona, one remains fluid, adaptable, and ultimately free from the constraints of identity. This mask would be about existing in a state where you are not defined by your roles, emotions, thoughts, or even your sense of self.

This would involve adopting an identity that deliberately goes beyond what is conventionally considered "authentic". It's not about rejecting authenticity but rather about challenging the very concept by being authentically unpredictable, undefinable, or even paradoxical. It's an approach where the mask is worn to show that all identity, including authenticity, can be a performance if one chooses it to be.

By using this mask, one would aim to transcend the typical struggles of identity, ego, and societal roles. This could be seen as an attempt to rise above the "battlefield" of human emotions, desires, and social expectations. It's akin to being a spectator of your own life, engaging with it but not being bound by its rules or outcomes.

This mask would serve as a strategic tool for navigating life, a tool for mastery, where one uses the understanding of identity as a means to interact with the world in a more liberated, creative, and perhaps even playful manner. It's about mastering the art of identity to the point where you can choose how you engage with or disengage from any given persona or situation.

From a philosophical standpoint, this mask aligns with ideas from existentialism, where one creates their essence through responsible choices, or Zen Buddhism, where enlightenment involves seeing through the illusion of a fixed self. Practically, this approach could lead to a life less burdened by the ego's demands, offering a unique perspective on personal freedom and interaction.

In essence, this "mask" is not just about hiding or revealing but about using identity as a means to achieve a higher state of interaction with existence. It's about leveraging the concept of identity to transcend identity itself, leading to a form of liberation where one is neither bound by the authentic self nor any other constructed persona. This is a sophisticated way to navigate the complexities of human existence, identity, and the quest for freedom from the conditioned self.

This mask is all masks: whale masks, coyote masks, crow masks, thunderbird masks, love masks, and even death masks.

As Emil Cioran said, “Fate” was only a mask, as everything is a mask that is not death.”

The mask that adapts and overcomes the vicissitudes of life:

“When you meet a swordsman, draw your sword: Do not recite poetry to one who is not a poet.” ~Tom Robbins

True growth comes from meeting life on its terms. Self-development requires adaptability, knowing when to show strength and when to show wisdom. Misplaced actions or words only stall progress. Mastering yourself means understanding what each moment demands and responding properly.

When you intentionally don the Mask of Contrarian Nonattachment, you’re ahead of the curve of the human condition. You rise above the trauma, the drama, and the manna. Levitating like a detached God, you’re able to analyze and experiment and adapt to life’s unexpected changes. You’re able to surrender to the flow state of transformation. In short: you’re able to get out of your own way.

As James Clear said, “Anxiety is thought without control. Flow is control without thought.” When you’re strategically utilizing the Mask of Contrarian Nonattachment, you’re in an intentional sacred flow state that transcends anxiety and keeps you in a state of “entertaining a thought without accepting it.” The ego unknots. The world unlocks. The Soul unfurls.

Žižek’s Parallax Gap is self-actualized, highlighting the futility of ever fully reconciling the self. Instead of aiming for synthesis or unity, you engage with the tension and contradiction between all masks, understanding that reality involves navigating the gaps, not closing them.

The Mask That Out-masks All Masks is not merely about acknowledging different viewpoints but about seeing how these viewpoints create the very fabric of reality through their interaction and inherent non-coincidence. This approach invites continuous questioning and reinterpretation through a humorous lens of what you might consider as 'real' or 'truth'.

As Nietzsche said, “Every profound spirit needs a mask: even more, around every profound spirit a mask is growing continually, owing to the constantly false, namely shallow, interpretation of every word, every step, every sign of life he gives.”

Image Source:

Open Minded by Thomas Berard

About the Author:

Gary Z McGee, a former Navy Intelligence Specialist turned philosopher, is the author of Birthday Suit of God and The Looking Glass Man. His works are inspired by the great philosophers of the ages and his wide-awake view of the modern world.

This article (The Mask That Out-masks All Masks) was originally created and published by Self-inflicted Philosophy and is printed here under a Creative Commons license with attribution to Gary Z McGee and self-inflictedphilosophy.com. It may be re-posted freely with proper attribution, author bio, and this statement of copyright.