Like cubic zirconia, I only look real. I'm an imposter. The fact is, I am not like other people

Like cubic zirconia, I only look real. I'm an imposter. The fact is, I am not like other people

Augusten Burroughs is a renowned author known for his candid and often darkly humorous memoirs that delve into his tumultuous personal life. In his writing, Burroughs often explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the struggle to fit in with societal norms. The quote, “Like cubic zirconia, I only look real. I'm an imposter. The fact is, I am not like other people,” encapsulates the essence of Burroughs’ work and his own personal journey of self-acceptance.

Burroughs’ writing is characterized by its raw honesty and vulnerability, as he lays bare his struggles with addiction, mental illness, and dysfunctional relationships. In many ways, he sees himself as an imposter, someone who is pretending to be someone he is not in order to fit in with society’s expectations. Like cubic zirconia, which may look like a real diamond at first glance, Burroughs’ outward appearance may seem normal and put-together, but underneath the surface lies a complex and troubled individual.

Throughout his memoirs, Burroughs grapples with the idea of being different from others, feeling like an outsider in a world that values conformity. He struggles with his own sense of identity, trying to reconcile his true self with the persona he presents to the world. The quote speaks to his feelings of inadequacy and alienation, as he navigates the complexities of his own psyche and tries to make sense of his place in the world.

Despite his struggles, Burroughs’ writing is marked by a sense of resilience and humor. He uses his experiences as material for his work, turning his pain into art and finding catharsis in the act of writing. Through his memoirs, he invites readers to see the world through his eyes, to empathize with his struggles, and to find solace in the knowledge that they are not alone in their own feelings of inadequacy and impostor syndrome.