According to this excerpt from "Loneliness . . . an American Malady" by Carson McCullers, what paradox do people struggle with in life?
Self-consciousness arises at an early age, but people continue to develop personality in later years.
Maturity can only be gained once people become more aware of their personal needs.
Even though other animals are unaware of self, humans and other animals still struggle with social conformity.
Gaining awareness of one’s “self” causes a person to yearn for companionship with others.