{B}ecause of all his previous attempts to integrate with the rest of society and what he had learned about himself through them - he wanted to be who he was, not the person he would become if he lost the one trait that distinguished him from everybody else, no matter how perverse that decision seemed to others.
In "Excession" by Iain M. Banks, the character grapples with the complexities of identity and societal integration. Having made numerous attempts to fit into society, he reflects on the lessons learned from those experiences. Ultimately, he decides to embrace his unique traits, even if they set him apart from others in a way that may seem counterintuitive. This decision underscores his desire for authenticity over conformity, showcasing a struggle between personal...