the octopus paradox

complexity and simplicity in self discovery

So today are you finally going to explain your version of what the self is?

Yeah. The self isn’t just one self. But it’s also not a series of masks. The self is about nine different interconnected ‘selves’ that sometimes are aligned, sometimes working in contradictory oppositional ways and are also sometimes completely disposable when they don’t work any longer.

That sounds complicated.

Naw. It’s simple. The human self is actually an octopus.

An Octopus?

Sure, three hearts, nine brains and all are connected. Some say that octopusses are evidence that alien life is present here on earth.

Ocotopi?

Ocotpusses.¹ Octopie need to be served with ice cream. Octopusses are the most human. Humans are most like ocotpusses. Like I said, that psychologist Jung believed that humans assume masks that hide and reveal an ‘authentic self’. If you listened to that fool, you’d think we’re all playing some cosmic game of peek-a-boo. Psychology pricks tend to be infantilizing. It’s a status game they play.

Ocotopus…