That is a good realization! Damaged/broken people are dangerous to be around.

> But people can make you think the thoughts and feel the feelings that you wouldn't have otherwise. And those new things can improve your understanding of yourself.

True. However those insights can’t be reached from learning about them through a verbal description on the meta level like they are in this article. If I tell you it is good to be happy does that realization make you happy? No. To make you happy I must “manipulate” you (or to use terminology from the article your elephant) into being happy. Just telling you “be happy” does not work.