Indeed. I often feel like I don't fully accept something until I've arrived at it in my own way somehow. It's similar to how a test for understanding a subject

Indeed. I often feel like I don't fully accept something until I've arrived at it in my own way somehow. It's similar to how a test for understanding a subject is whether you can put it "into your own words". I wonder if a similar effect could account for his ignorance of others' opinion of him. Almost certainly compounded by psychopathic inclinations to manipulate those around you, but never be manipulated.