Unveiling the Triad of Faces

Auguste écoutant la lecture de l'Enéide, ca.1814

Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

In the intricate tapestry of human existence lies a profound Japanese cultural concept: that of the three faces. These faces are not merely physical visages, but layers of the human psyche that shape interactions, decisions, and relationships. This perspective delves into the delicate web of authenticity, social dynamics, and the ever-present internal conflict to define and present ourselves.

The first face, the one we present to the world, is the embodiment of our social role. It is the polished exterior, a mask we wear to navigate the expectations of our culture and community. That face makes us seek approval, recognition, and validation, dancing in the spotlight of our public lives, offering a curated version of ourselves to meet the demands of our surroundings. Concealing our vulnerabilities and hiding the complexities of our emotions, the first face is the one we present when we first meet someone, focusing on politeness and courtesy. Yet, within its carefully crafted contours, lies an authenticity yearning to break free.

Within our inner circle – of family and close friends – the second face emerges and rips all pretenses apart, allowing authenticity to shine through. This face exists within shared memories, experiences, and emotions. It is where we find solace in being understood for who we truly are. Letting our guards down, the second face is unveiled beneath the veneer of social roles, allowing genuine connections to form. The beauty of this face is the shared history that binds us and thus allows for mutual understanding and unconditional love.

Chicago, 1975

Vivian Maier

Deep within the chambers of our heart resides the enigmatic third face. It dwells in the innermost recesses of our being, a stock of emotions, desires and thoughts that often remains hidden, not always on purpose, but perhaps because people themselves are unaware of their truest self. This face is the epitome of authenticity, it is the gatekeeper of our hidden emotions, our suppressed fears, and all secret aspirations. We can consider it our puppet master, always guiding our actions and influencing our choices, but never revealing himself. The third face is the canvas upon which the most profound human struggle is painted and where the other two faces emerge from.

In the ethereal realm of human spirituality, people embark on a journey that beats to the rhythm of tripolarity rather than bipolarity. Within the triad of faces, we lay bare the layers of our souls, our interactions, and the inextricable confusion that sculpts our existence. It is a mesmerizing voyage of self-discovery, culminating in a masterpiece of performance art, of all people harmonizing their inner dissonance – an artistic Odyssey that has tantalized the senses of creators and thinkers since time immemorial, a riddle with no answer.

The ‘tripolarity’ inherent in the third face is no simple binary, but rather a complex interplay of emotions and desires. It is no dichotomy but rather an alluring dance of conflicting elements; a fight between right and wrong, ethical and unethical, desire and composure. The longing for authenticity engages in a passionate pas de deux with the fear of vulnerability, while the need for self-preservation dances a delicate ballet of self-care.  The desire for legitimacy, a prima ballerina, pirouettes with grace, eager to shed the mask that conceals the soul’s unseen color. The fear of vulnerability, a spectral waltzer, whirls in shadows, pleading for caution, invoking memories of past wounds and fears. The need for self-presentation, a stoic guardian, erects barriers against potential threats. Each performance is a masterpiece; a delicate dance of emotions and desires.

Vivian Maier

In this dance of rival desires, let’s ponder on the dramatic moment of infidelity. It is a situation that vividly showcases the inner turmoil within the triad of human emotions. One face represents the yearning for emotional connection and fulfillment outside the current relationship. This desire often arises from dissatisfaction, unmet needs, or the allure of greater satisfaction elsewhere. However, a shadowy fear looms nearby, whispering cautionary tales of great consequence. That’s the fear of being discovered, of causing pain, and most significantly, the fear of confronting inner confusion. Simultaneously, self-preservation plays a role, serving as a defense mechanism, pushing people to seek emotional or physical solace elsewhere. In this interlude of infidelity, the triad of faces continues its delicate dance, each step revealing the interplay of emotions that ultimately shape our choices.

Yes, as we immerse ourselves in this symphony of desires and inner conflict, we discover that the answer remains elusive. It is a question that defies finality, for it is as fluid as the human soul itself. Ultimately, it is not about reaching a destination, but embarking on a boundless journey – a never-ending sonata. This journey involves exploration and reconciliation, an eternal melody that echoes through the chambers of the human heart. At the elusive destination, all three faces would merge into one and authenticity would reign supreme. Pretenses would melt away and every interaction would reflect one’s truest self. Yet, one quick glance at our humanity reminds us that such a destination remains utopic, and that it is the journey which weaves the fabric of human existence. It is in the perpetual tripolarity, in the sonata of self-discovery, that we can find beauty in life.

This path, illuminated by the triad of faces, highlights the complexity of the soul. It serves as a reminder that we are inherently multifaceted beings shaped by desires and fears. This multiplicity is not necessarily negative; it is essential for personal and social relationships to function. The path we tread is what imbues our lives with meaning, for it is the real exploration of our inner world – a serenade to the enigma within us. And ultimately, what keeps us awake and living other than the unknown? Unveiling the hidden aspect of all three faces would simply result in a dull state of knowing, and not much more.