ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

The Mask of Sanity

Imagine you are playing a game of dress-up and pretending to be someone else. You put on a disguise, like a mask, to hide your true identity and become the character you are pretending to be. The Mask of Sanity is like that mask you wear, but for adults who might be pretending to be someone they are not in order to fit in with society.

Sometimes, people might feel like they don't quite fit in with others around them, or they might feel insecure about who they are. In order to cope with these feelings, they might put on a "mask" to hide their true selves and pretend to be someone they think others will accept or like more. This could involve pretending to be happier, more confident, or more sociable than they really are.

The Mask of Sanity is often associated with psychopathy, which is a mental disorder where someone lacks empathy and has a hard time connecting with other people's emotions. Psychopaths might wear a mask of normalcy to hide their lack of empathy and blend in with society. They might pretend to be charming, charismatic, and caring in order to manipulate others and get what they want.

It's important to note that not everyone who wears a mask of sanity is a psychopath. Many people wear a mask in order to cope with insecurities or difficult social situations. However, it's also important to remember that pretending to be someone you are not can be harmful in the long run, both for yourself and for those around you. It's better to embrace who you truly are and find people who accept and love you for the real you.