es-war-einmal-ein-mann:

The loss of the self and its substitution by a pseudo self leave the individual in an intense state of insecurity. He is obsessed by doubt since, being essentially a reflex of other people’s expectation of him, he has in a measure lost his identity.

In order to overcome the panic resulting from such loss of identity, he is compelled to conform, to seek his identity by continuous approval and recognition by others. Since he does not know who he is, at least the others will know—if he acts according to their expectation;

if they know, he will know too, if he only takes their word for it.

Erich Fromm, Escape from Freedom

Artist: Denis Sarashin