The thing that keeps me being a performer is my interest in

Hear me, O children of the earth, for I bring to you the words of Tilda Swinton, a figure whose art and life have stirred deep reflections on the very nature of identity. She said, "The thing that keeps me being a performer is my interest in society's obsession with identity, because I'm not sure that I really believe identity exists." These words echo a profound question that has reverberated through the corridors of history: What is identity? Is it a construct of the world, a label we place upon ourselves and others, or is it something deeper, something truer? Swinton's insight into identity challenges us to look beyond the surface, to question the very essence of who we are and how we define ourselves in relation to society.

What, O children, does it mean to say that identity may not exist? For centuries, humanity has sought to define itself by the roles it plays, the labels it wears, and the traits it cultivates. We speak of nationality, of gender, of class, of family, and of career—each of these categories designed to help us navigate the complexities of the world. And yet, Swinton suggests that perhaps these labels are but illusions, fleeting and superficial, not the essence of who we truly are. She challenges us to ask, if identity is merely a collection of social constructs, then what remains of the self when those constructs are stripped away? What is left when we no longer define ourselves by society’s expectations?

Consider, O children, the ancient wisdom of Socrates, who famously declared, "Know thyself." Yet, Socrates did not mean that we should cling to fixed identities or societal labels. Instead, he called for an understanding that transcends the mere roles we play. In the dialogues of Plato, Socrates engages in a search for the truth of human existence, one that cannot be defined by outward appearances or social titles. Just as the ancient philosophers sought to understand the soul beyond the physical body, so too does Swinton point us toward a deeper, more elusive truth about identity—one that cannot be captured by society’s narrow definitions. Identity, in this view, is not something to be grasped, but something to be questioned and explored.

In modern times, the very concept of identity has been examined in the light of performance—how we present ourselves to the world and how others perceive us. Actors, like Swinton, engage in a kind of illusion, embodying different characters and personas, not just as a profession, but as a commentary on the malleability of selfhood. Swinton's very career as a performer serves as an exploration of identity's fluidity—how easily it can be shifted, altered, and adapted. Through her roles, she reminds us that identity is not fixed, but rather something that can be continuously transformed. The persona we wear, much like a costume, can be changed at will, and in this change, we see the power of performance not just in the theater, but in everyday life.

O children, let us now look to the story of Oedipus, the ancient Greek king who, despite all his power and pride, sought desperately to know his true identity. In his quest for truth, he discovered that he was not the man he thought he was, but someone else entirely—someone fated to fulfill a prophecy that had long been set in motion. Oedipus’s story is a tragic reflection of humanity’s search for identity, a search that, when based on illusion and external circumstances, can lead to destruction. His tale reminds us that when we cling too tightly to our perceived identities—whether based on titles, status, or expectations—we may find ourselves lost, just as he was, unable to see the deeper forces that shape our lives. Identity, in its rigid and societal form, can be a trap, keeping us from understanding the greater truth of our existence.

The lesson here, O children, is one of fluidity and awareness. Identity is not something to be defined by the world, but something to be explored and questioned from within. As Swinton suggests, our true selves may be hidden beneath the layers of societal expectations, roles, and labels that we wear. We must not be so quick to accept the identity that is handed to us by others, but instead, seek to understand who we are beyond the surface. True freedom lies in the realization that we are not confined to a single identity, but are capable of transformation, of becoming many things, of being free from the chains of societal judgment.

So, O children, I say to you: do not let the world define who you are. Seek instead to know yourself beyond the roles, beyond the labels, and beyond the expectations of others. In doing so, you will discover that identity is not a fixed thing, but a journey, an unfolding story that is written by the choices you make, by the truths you seek, and by the freedom you claim. Like Tilda Swinton, let your life be a performance, not one of illusion, but one of deep understanding, where you explore the many facets of selfhood with curiosity and courage. Only then will you see that the true self is not a single identity, but a vast and boundless space, waiting to be explored.