I don't see this "[trying] to set himself apart" bit. Maybe I'm reading too literal? Maybe others are projecting? I don't know. I read OP as continuing the arti

I don't see this "[trying] to set himself apart" bit. Maybe I'm reading too literal? Maybe others are projecting? I don't know. I read OP as continuing the article's discussion. Or just a minor "meh, this is how it is with me." But "setting himself apart"? Or 'writing ironically'? I don't see it.