How to create a Self-Image: for dummies

...Frank rarely read, he found it to be a tiring pastime. In fact, hardly anyone reads these days. But there was one exception. There was one book which nearly all twenty-third century citizens read and lived by; notwithstanding it was in e- format. Its title was "How to create your own personal Self-Image; For Dummies". It's influential equivalent is something like the Bible to Christians. Most of the world then, as now, lived and died by this pompous handbook.

...It had large glossy photo's illustrating different ways to reflect your self image by what you wore; from your underwear to your makeup. (And especially regarding makeup, the general rule seemed to be, wear plenty of it) At this time the fad was electric blue, it was the color currently believed to boost one's self esteem and came in all shapes and sizes. Black was also undoubtedly "cool", so it was worn heavily around the eyes. As a result many of your average citizens walked about black and blue; the living offspring of a brow-beaten society.

...Although most of the world was wearing electric blue, Frank preferred orange. It stimulated his creative drive, namely pursuing self-gratification. In light of this he often wore orange, ordered orange cars, bought orange furniture, typed his words in orange font, and drank carrot/orange smoothies. (I would have also said he used little orange pencils, but they are only relics of the day when people got "writers cramp". )

...Frank's favorite section in "How to create your own personal Self-Image: for dummies" is a chapter titled "Ten Ways to Flatter Yourself". Since you might appreciate an excerpt, the following is his favorite part of his favorite chapter of his favorite book.

..."Self gratification is to be arrived at by any means. One cannot depend upon others to deliver this essential need of the human body, a basic necessity. So rise above the thought that without others you cannot be successful or loved; the best person to appreciate and love you is you. Become independent, become what you want to be. The only one holding you back is you, so let go. Here are ten things to say to yourself, and do for yourself, which will encourage a healthy realistic view of life."

1. "Do for yourself what you think others ought to do for you"
2. "Always seek your own interests, others are doing the same so its in the interest of self-preservation."
3. "There is no such thing as selfishness, except for the state of being self."
4. "The Sky is my floor, I do not have a limit."
5. "Children are an extension of self, keep them that way. (It's hard to do this when you have too many)"
6. "I should not have to think for myself, that's why I have a sacrificing government."
7."I am the only thing worth living for, so I need to make myself worth it".
8. "My code of ethics should not tear down others self-image if it can be helped."
9. "Everything I do should be an expression of the beauty in me".
10. "Whatever I want can be obtained if I put my mind to it."

...Yes, Frank is sickeningly stuck in himself. As this chapter illustrates, but does this mean he has no hope? Stay tuned to find out....