Most people define themselves by their work, or where they come from, or suchlike; we had lived too far inside our heads. It makes actuality damn hard to handle.
In Salman Rushdie's "The Satanic Verses," the quote emphasizes how individuals often define their identities based on their occupations or origins. This perspective suggests that many people look outwardly for a sense of self, anchoring their identities in external factors. However, the characters in the book seem to dwell more within their inner thoughts and perceptions, leading to a disconnect with the external reality.
This internal focus complicates their ability to...