Whom Are You Fooling?

When I lived in Israel, one Shabbat I was standing on the steps of the synagogue after morning services, with two friends/students. I told them a teaching of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov: "A person must either fool the whole world, or fool himself. If he lives by everyone else's values, he will be seen as a valuable member of the community, receiving  respect and honor. But he will be fooling himself. His life will be devoid of meaning and purpose. If, however, he lives his dreams, concentrates on the eternal values, lives a life of love, giving and holiness, unconcerned with other people's concepts of success, he will be really living. But others will see him as a madman. He will be fooling the world". A neighbor overheard me. "What?!?! How can you say that? You're saying that the world is "hefker" (owner-less). The world is NOT HEFKER!". I was shocked and puzzled by his words. Had I said that the world was hefker? Then I realized what he was saying.. He was a man of about forty. He had studied at a fine New York Yeshiva.His life since then was a struggle to "be somebody". He built a huge home. He wore the finest suits. He could drop the names of prominent rabbis. When he led services, he would "ham it up" with the latest popular melodies. Everything about him said "Please! See me as someone!". And many did! But was he happy? He told me many times that he was not. But the above quote of Rabbi Nachman was too threatening. If it's not about "being someone" what is it about? Isn't this what I was taught? Should I be struggling for an  unknown inner world, striving for something as elusive as "Happiness"? He had succeeded in fooling himself. I strive to fool the world. How about you?