# Anonymity is a Temporary Pain Killer By:: [[Brian Heath]] 2023-06-22 Anonymity is powerful in the way it subverts existing power structures. If one has ever worn a mask, one may feel free to do increasingly radical things outside one's social identity and hierarchical position. The most obvious place where we see this is on the internet, where people make all kinds of "unacceptable" or "radical" comments without much fear of ever being found out. Some of this subversive power comes from this lack of punishment. As social animals, we are biologically programmed to behave in ways deemed acceptable by the tribe - or else we'd be kicked out. This keeps everyone in check. People drive on the correct side of the road and wait patiently in lines, etc. When you become anonymous, you no longer have to play the game by the rules. One could argue that this is your most authentic self, but it would deny the reality of social life and our biological programming. Eventually, everyone wants their credit and to be found out in one way or another. That's the shallow glory one often seeks. There is an alternative between always following the rules and embracing selfish chaos via total anonymity and no accountability. This alternative is speaking one's truth to power as a fully integrated and realized individual who has reflected on who one is and one's social being. Some may think this person doesn't give a shit, but maybe they care the most. How one speaks truth to power matters immensely, or else, one will make no progress and is merely a glutton for punishment. Regardless, it takes tremendous energy, devotion, and courage to do this in current organizational systems. What would happen if courage was not required because organizational systems encouraged self-actualization and solidarity? Anonymity is only an Aspirin to temporarily relieve the pain of a curable disease. #### Related Items [[Anonymity]] [[Power]] [[Society]] [[Self-Actualization]] [[Progress]] [[Radicals]] [[Organization]]