Phases

Our lives are lived in distinct phases. 

First comes the indoctrination phase where we learn about the world and our expected role within it. 

Next comes the life establishment phase where we build some sort of social capital and an identity that functions well enough if imperfectly. The mask that allows us to function in society is refined.

The next phase is about self realization where everything we have learned is dissected and disassembled. We conclude that many of the things we accepted as gospel truth were false and even harmful to our psyche. 

The final phase consists of arriving at self knowledge where we understand intrinsically how to navigate the world with a more distanced approach and with perspective built from wisdom. We no longer feel motivated to play act for the pleasure of others and we embrace full authenticity. 

Not everyone completes these phases at the same pace or with a similar rate of success but inevitably life teaches us something. 

The conclusions we make having lived those experiences is up to us.