Sometimes, the individual actually believes their own image. This can be dangerous and leads to significant delusion:
Those who lack wisdom are convinced that they are truly awake;
they think they understand what is happening;
they think that the king is really the king,
and the servants are really servants.
(Chuang Tzu)
they think they understand what is happening;
they think that the king is really the king,
and the servants are really servants.
(Chuang Tzu)
If enough people embrace a delusion, it can become the prevalent way of thinking in society.
How many delusions are commonplace in our culture?
Consider various facets of 'culture' and ask yourself - how real are they?
What is a convention and what is real?
