Longing for a Selfless Self and other Ambivalences of Anonymity

Anon I have decided to publish this text anonymously. The reason is not that I want this authorial act to put me out of reach. Anyone who wanted to could surely find out who the text’s author is. And yet, I still consider anonymity meaningful. Not in the traditional sense as personal protection, but as part of a collective practice. This practice demands a particular attitude of which anonymity is the expression as well as the performative enactment. It has been developed by members of so-called 12-step groups. Anonymity here is about not taking the foremost interest in one’s own well-being, but to instead consider personal well-being as directly connected to that of all living beings and organisms on this planet. Considering myself an advocate of such an attitude, it would be impossible for me to situate this text meaningfully without remaining nameless. I see the reason for this in my ethical obligation towards my integrity and towards the people whom I research about. If you would like to get in touch, anonymity is not an obstacle. Write me on: anonymity_with_an_attitude@ posteo.de