For Sabina, living in truth, lying neither to ourselves nor to others, was possible only away from the public: the moment someone keeps an eye on what we do, we involuntarily make allowances for that eye, and nothing we do is truthful. Having a public, keeping a public in mind, means living in lies.
Sabina believes that true living requires honesty, both with oneself and others, which can only be achieved in solitude. She argues that when people are aware of being watched by others, they subconsciously alter their behavior, leading to a lack of authenticity in their actions. The presence of an audience forces individuals to conform to expectations, resulting in a distorted version of their true selves.
In her view, maintaining a public persona inevitably leads to dishonesty, as individuals shape their lives to fit the perceptions of others. This creates a conflict between genuine self-expression and the façade required to navigate social interactions. Sabina’s insights highlight the tension between personal truth and societal expectations, suggesting that true freedom is found away from the gaze of others.
