unmaskings

Updated: July 12, 2026

Success thus takes the form of a series of waves of protective colouration; failure is a succession of unmaskings. The aspirant must first learn to imitate exactly the aspect and behaviour of the group he seeks to penetrate. There follows notice. There follows toleration. There follows acceptance.

H. L. (Henry Louis) Mencken - The American Credo: A Contribution Toward the Interpretation of the National Mind