Oh oddly enough, I am agree with you generally speaking.
   But am I who I present in its entirety?

   I don't believe so. I believe there are layers, perhaps not
   necessarily masks but more akin to a convergence of dissonance
   from a variety of sources, internal, external, take your pick,
   clamoring for attention.

   I would going to add, "culminating in a singular
   deed/action/word" - but THAT'S not even true, because there is a
   multilayered presentation.

   THEN, there is the reception, which also goes through its series
   of filters, through another's convergence of dissonance, etc.

   It's all authentic and real; I don't think we *can* be
   otherwise.

   Just the same, it's convenient to make distinctions, utilizing
   such things as masks for analogies, based upon contexts.

   It's helpful for people to believe they have a "true self"
   that's hidden and untouched, whether it is real or not. But of
   course, i believe it is all quite real, whatever methodology or
   analogizing we do to describe it - how could we be otherwise?

   The belief in an untouched, true self perhaps creates that very
   thing it believes is there, and is helpful for some people in
   having a sense of integrity - of selfhood. Is it a fiction?
   Well, what isn't, in some sense?

   Coping skills - the American pragmatist in me. Use it if it
   works.