"for" as a conjunction or prep here?

Question

Please look at these three sentences here from the same passage.

(1) The problem of disliking people, which is a very common one today, is essentially a problem of disliking the images we have formed.
(2) It is a reflection on us rather than on those we do not like.
(3) For in almost all human relationships, we see others not as they really are but as we are.

In sentence (3),

1. Is "for" used as a conjunction or preposition?
2. If used as a conjunction, does it coordinate sentence 2 with 3?

Thanks!

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

AnonymousIn sentence (3), 1. Is "for" used as a conjunction or preposition?

It is a conjunction meaning 'because'.

AnonymousIn sentence (3), 2. If used as a conjunction, does it coordinate sentence 2 with 3?

No; it merely coordinates its own clause with the main clause of sentence 3.
However, sentence 3 explains sentence 1 and sentence 2

Anonymous · Answer

There are three clauses in sentence (3):
- We see others
- they really are
- we are

What are the two clauses that "for" coordinate?
I've noticed there's another coordinating conjunction "not as... but as...".
A little confused how the two coordinating conjunctions coordinate 3 clauses.

Thanks

Mister Micawber · Answer

[For in almost all human relationships], [we see others not [as they really are] [but as we are] ].

AnonymousWhat are the two clauses that "for" coordinate?

There are actually 4 clauses. The two short clauses are embedded within the main clause as per my bracketing above. 'For' coordinates its clause with the whole main clause, from 'we see' to 'we are'.

Anonymous · Answer

How is "for in almost all human relationships" a clause?  there's no verb there.

Mister Micawber · Answer

You're absolutely right. What a terrible oversight. Forget all I said. I should start again from the beginning. Yes, the 'for' actually extends over more than one sentence, as I can see once I repunctuate a bit:

The problem of disliking people, which is a very common one today, is essentially a problem of disliking the images we have formed. [It is a reflection on us rather than on those we do not like], [for (= because), in almost all human relationships, we see others not as they really are but as we are].

Now that I have straightened myself out, can I help you?

1. Is "for" used as a conjunction or preposition?— As a conjunction.
2. If used as a conjunction, does it coordinate sentence 2 with 3?— Yes

You were absolutely right from the beginning. Sorry to have wasted your time.

"for" as a conjunction or prep here?

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