A Sense of Self

The Singular Self

The sensation of self is actually the result of many processes; the (frenzied) self-model, the data compression processes of memory that create the underlying principles of narrative, Domasio's process of introspection on the emotional state wrought by bodily condition, mirror neurons duplicating others physical dispositions, hence emotions, hence feelings, etc.etc. We (wrongly) perceive all this as a single experience- the Self. This is the humunculus, the man within the man that does (experiences) the seeing etc. Fear (of death) transmutes the Self into Spirit and then we're truly stuffed.

I believe all manner of ills flow from this wrong perception of a singularity of self. How can we come to terms with the ebb and flow of these different "actors" in the "Community of Self"? As we age and some faculties fail and our store of experience rises, how tragic that some people think that they were only truly themselves aged 18 or whatever. When mentally ill, we are so sure of the absolute seemless continuity of this singular thing, that we seek to carry our "mad" thoughts into our less mad existences, unable to see them as the product of a somewhat different individual, creating spurious justifications out of thin air etc. The delusion is obvious to an outsider, but never to our less mad selves.

Great Art lays bare the truth behind the Lie of the Humunculus.

But Powerful Men succeed through creating him. They become disproportionately powerful (wilfull, effective) through building up a strong, singular, self. (Ayn Rand, Nietsche)

posted by Phil Rimmer @ 10:16 pm