Acharya Prashant responds to a question about why one should become an individual if it leads to a difficult environment and hurting others. He begins by correcting the premise, stating that one cannot become an individual, because one already is an individual. He distinguishes between an 'individual' and a 'person'. An individual is one who understands and knows correctly, whereas a person is one who does not understand and acts mechanically like a machine. He asserts that it is not our nature to be a machine; our nature is to live in understanding. Therefore, the question of becoming an individual does not arise, as individuality is our inherent nature. What one can become is a 'person', which he equates to wearing a personality or a mask (mukhotā). Addressing the concern that an individual hurts others, Acharya Prashant explains that this is a misunderstanding. He introduces the idea that there are two kinds of hurt. To illustrate, he quotes Kabir Saheb: "The Guru is the potter and the disciple is the pot; he strikes from the outside to remove the flaws, while supporting the pot from within with his hand." One type of hurt is constructive; it helps a person become their true self by cleaning their inner dirt. The other type of hurt merely boosts the ego. An awakened person, the true individual, does not inflict the second kind of hurt because they know nothing is gained from it. However, they will deliver the first kind of hurt out of compassion and for the other person's ultimate benefit, much like a doctor performs surgery. This hurt is not violent but is in the other's deepest interest. He concludes by advising the questioner to first realize their own individuality. The questions about hurting others only arise after one has found their own self. He emphasizes that one must first experience being an individual to understand that there is a kind of hurt that is given in compassion and love. This hurt does not break; it joins.