Self vs. World

The idea that the world consists of two snake pits that men are constantly sliding between, the self and the world, is true. On a more personal level, however, what really is the self and the world? After making the point, the book says "The watchful mind lies, cunning and swift, about the dark blood's lust...Then sudden and swift the enemy strikes from nowhere, the cavernous heart" (Gardner 157). Beyond self vs. world, the point Grendel wants to make seems more about internal morals trying to take over for external situations. The idea is relatable to Grendel because he is scared to attack the mead hall but is still bent on doing so regardless of the consequences. "Violence is truth" is undoubtedly connectable to Grendel because it is all he knows, but what action or adjective works for us? Disobedience is truth, homework is truth, nothing really is the truth. The interesting thing is that the way Grendel analyzes his situation is extroverted. Even though he is paying attention to his feelings, he really only focuses on external factors that may be in his way. It's as if Grendel looks at himself externally and thinks of the situation as a human only if he has concerns for himself, but still carries on as a barbarous creature. 

Beyond defining the self and the world, how can they connect at more personal levels to humans and which, if either, is more important? This goes beyond morals vs. external factors and mind vs. body.