Loss of Self

Loss of Self. Don Juan asserts that Castaneda must rid himself of his personal history. The purpose of this is to not have to fulfill the image others expect of one by not giving importance to our own past. This is accomplished by not giving away too much about one's self in order to "create a fog" around oneself. Not focusing on one's self-importance is a way of setting one's self free and avoiding label. One does not have to live up to one's own propaganda. It can be surmised that if everyone did this, no one would be so preoccupied with impressing others and one would live with a more just and humane attitude. The book never talks about love of fellow man, but "do unto others" is implied. It in fact goes one step further implying that nature be equally respected.

It is difficult...