apropos

"The Taoist . . . was a fervent advocate of 'conspicuous subtlety' in presenting oneself. He was not subtle at all about instilling in our budding minds his ' messianic' message that self-advertisement was the worst form to let others know about 'my existence.' . . . Self-initiated effort for public recognition or self-aggrandizement was the most shameful conduct for a person of virtue. This idea is interesting and noble as a philosophical posture, but when it is practiced in America, it will not get you anywhere in most circumstances. The lack of self-assertion is translated directly into timidity and lack of self-confidence. . . . Whatever the specific reason may be, Americans are not waiting to experience you or your behaviors as they exist. They want a 'documented' version of you that is eloquently summarized, decorated, and certified. What they are looking for is not your raw, unprocessed being with rich texture; rather, it is a slickly processed self, neatly packaged and, most important, conveniently delivered to them. Self-advertising is encouraged almost to the point of pretentiousness." --from Distant Mirrors: America as a Foreign Culture (chapter 8 American Graffiti: Curious Derivatives of Individualism)