puddles
mirrors alienate us. we need the mirror to adjust how we externally present ourselves. you stand there, on your own, composing yourself - based on your own aesthetic sensibilities - because you care about how others will perceive you. but had mirrors never been invented, we would've needed other people to organize our outward appearance. it would've been part of our social contract to be responsible for fixing each other's image. owing that to each other could build our social cohesion. i need others because they will fix my face. i need others because they will help me conform to fashion standards. we will always be part of an ecosystem, we need to coordinate ourselves to function effectively for our community to serve its purpose. we do it to an extent, we tell each other what to do and avoid. we don't want our family or friends making a fool of themselves. we want important people in our lives to put their best foot forward. because even if people can see themselves...