altruomics

This quote by Nietzsche is extremely pessimistic. One can derive an interesting metaphor between a person's self and a neighborhood store to give one perspective on human interactions.

• Imagine everyone as their own neighborhood store.
• Our character can be related to the stores inventory.
• Our image that we show to the world is our storefront window.

Image is only superficial, yet it is what attracts people to our store.
** Some people are more concerned with the presentation of their storefront window than what they have in their store.
** Others feel that creating inventory is much more important than creating a pleasant storefront window.

Sadly, both are tragic individuals.
** The window dresser is so preoccupied with the storefront that the rest of the store goes to neglect. He appears to have wonderful items in his store for his storefront is quite impressive. Yet under further examination one may find that certain articles are not in stock, nor are they on-order. He becomes comfortable in situations with window shoppers that merely bask in the beauty of other's windows, never entering, never buying.
** The creative slob thinks so little of other's opinions that his self interests are nowhere near his storefront and it falls into disarray. His store may hide hidden treasure, but they are buried behind useless junk and customer service is next to none.

As with most everything in life, a happy medium is the solution.
So multi-task a little and arrange your inventory and create a customer friendly atmosphere in your store while illuminating choice objects in the window in an aesthetically pleasing fashion, even including a few items on order, and prepare for your grand opening.
(For added effect, put some wine and cheese by the door.)