Average person Quote by Keith Johnstone
““Sanity is actually a pretence, a way we learn to behave. We keep this pretence up because we don't want to be rejected by other people - and being classified insane is to be shut out of the group in a very complete way. Most people I meet are secretly convinced that they're a little crazier than the average person. People understand the energy necessary to maintain their own shields, but not the energy expended by other people. They understand that their own sanity is a performance, but when confronted by other people they confuse the person with the role. Sanity has nothing directly to do with the way you think. Its a matter of presenting yourself as safe.””
About This Quote
Source Book: Impro: Improvisation and the Theatre by Keith Johnstone, 1979
Sanity is a social performance to to avoid rejection, not a true measure of mental health.
In simple terms: Sanity is a protective act.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and question social masks.
Themes
social conformity
identity
psychology
Mood
reflective
analytical
Type
philosophical
psychological
social
When to use this quote
- therapy sessions
- team building
- social gatherings
- online interactions
Key Concepts
performance
group dynamics
self‑presentation
Questions to Reflect On
- How does your behavior change when you feel judged?
- What would happen if you stopped performing sanity?
A Different Perspective
It can reinforce stigma and discourage authentic self‑expression.
