Yes, this “I” does seem so real Charles. But as we discussed in an earlier post of yours, the true self of the contemplative traditions opens us to a marvellous detachment that must not be confused with indifference. This detachments allow us to move freely in the world without rivalry or the desire for the approval of others and, offers us the possibility of loving truly, that is, loving others for what they are without the need to be either dependent or dominant. I again refer you to the contemplative tradition which so much reinforces Girard’s thinking on desire, and of course, Simone Weil, whose thinking influenced Girard so much. James’ teaching on the social other and the other other has a great deal to do with the teaching of the “false self” and the “true self”.
