...the truth is, we never know for sure about ourselves. Who we'll sleep with if given the opportunity, who we'll betray in the right circumstance, whose faith and love we will reward with our own. Only after we've done a thing do we know what we'll do...Which is why we have spouses and children and parents and colleagues and friends, because someone has to know us better than we know ourselves.
In the reflection on human nature, Russo suggests that self-awareness is often elusive. We cannot predict our actions or choices until we are confronted with situations that challenge our values and loyalties. This uncertainty reveals the complexity of our character, as we are frequently unaware of the depths of our own motivations and desires.
Consequently, relationships become essential in our lives. Spouses, children, friends, and colleagues serve as mirrors, providing insights into our true selves that we might not realize on our own. They offer perspectives that help us understand who we are and guide our decisions in times of doubt or moral conflict.
