Roland had learned to see himself, theoretically, as a crossing-place for a number of systems, all loosely connected. He had been trained to see his idea of his 'self' as an illusion, to be replaced by a discontinuous machinery and electrical message-network of various desires, ideological beliefs and responses, language-forms and hormones and pheromones. Mostly he liked this. He had no desire for any strenuous Romantic self-assertion.
Roland has come to view himself as a complex intersection of various systems rather than a singular identity. His training has led him to believe that the traditional concept of self is merely an illusion. Instead, he perceives his existence as a dynamic interplay of desires, ideological beliefs, language, and biological factors, all contributing to his overall being. This perspective reflects a modern understanding of identity as fragmented and interconnected rather than fixed and romanticized.
Although this nuanced view of identity might seem challenging, Roland finds comfort in it. He does not feel the need to assert a traditional, heroic version of himself. Instead, he embraces the idea that he is shaped by numerous influences and interactions, finding satisfaction in the idea of being this 'crossing-place' where various aspects of life converge. This acceptance of a more fluid and multifaceted identity highlights his departure from the Romantic notion of self-assertion.
