Interesting exposition, but I would disagree that the idea of a "false self" stems from the 1960's. I would say it is at least 5000 years older than that, in terms of the persona as the mask that we show the world, vs. our deeper self. In astrology, this is represented by the ascending sign - the face we show the world, versus the Sun sign, which is our true nature, while the Moon represents our emotions.
In a more rigorous sense, looking at it from a standpoint of non-dualism, our true self would be our spiritual essence, called our soul in some traditions, as distinct from our individual identity represented by our bodily self, which would be the false self.
When I think of the masks in the theater in ancient Greece (and the word "mask" as "persona"), I have to agree with you 100%. "Persona" was the name for the mask that actors wore in classical theater.
Interesting exposition, but I would disagree that the idea of a "false self" stems from the 1960's. I would say it is at least 5000 years older than that, in terms of the persona as the mask that we show the world, vs. our deeper self. In astrology, this is represented by the ascending sign - the face we show the world, versus the Sun sign, which is our true nature, while the Moon represents our emotions.
In a more rigorous sense, looking at it from a standpoint of non-dualism, our true self would be our spiritual essence, called our soul in some traditions, as distinct from our individual identity represented by our bodily self, which would be the false self.
When I think of the masks in the theater in ancient Greece (and the word "mask" as "persona"), I have to agree with you 100%. "Persona" was the name for the mask that actors wore in classical theater.
Best wishes,
Suavek