What makes up the 'Self'? What things go into it? We all know that many of these things change over time, but do any of them stay the same? What can a person change and still remain the same 'self'? What about our 'self' is NOT open to doubt?
Thanks
2007-01-09 13:14:49 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Sociology
The self is different from how other people see you (Heinz Kohut went to town on this when he developed Self Psychology - if you think you are confused now, try the "Me" and the "I: concepts!); it is about your conception of yourself.
You can change the outside - your looks, your speech, even your mannerisms, but that does not change the Self. The self is your dreams, temperment, aspirations, etc... and those may change over time, but often they remain the same. Habits can be reflections of the self - and we all know that habits can be changed, so we know there are some parts of the Self that adapt and evolve over time. But what is not open to doubt is your perception of yourself at any given time - your Self at any moment is secure because that is your current reality.
The Self grows and matures with you, so it evolves more than it simply changes. This evolution is perceived by some theorists as changing to a new Self, but I agree with those that feel the Self is the core being within you that has worth, contains your capacity to love and cherish, is the spiritual center of your being, and the treasure chest for your potential.
2007-01-10 09:32:20 · answer #1 · answered by cottey girl 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you have time, i.e. the homework isn't due tomorrow, you might want to check out a book called, "What You Can Change and What You Can't." The author, M. Seligman, M.D., talks about things that are usually immutable, that is, they don't change. For most people, those are things closest to our core identity, such as, "I am a woman. I like men." However, this isn't true for everyone: some people are men physically but feel inside that they were meant to be women. But it's true for most people.
Some traits are innate, that is, they "feel" like ourselves. These are probably traits we are born with. Mothers of newborn babies will tell you that the babies have personalities from the start, from inside the womb, even. Some are stubborn, some are curious, some are energetic. I suppose these things may also make up the "self" for some people.
2007-01-10 02:25:34 · answer #2 · answered by Katherine W 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't really know what you are asking or mean by saying "self".... I think you mean your identity.... Every person changes overtime, it is just a natural thing of life and a good thing... We mature, grow, and learn, and that makes us amazing... The ability to learn and adapt and be better overtime... We don't lose our identity by changing our way of behavior, thinking, or being... Our identity is just our ever-changing self, because it is unique all the time, no matter how you change your personality by maturing, growing, or learning, you will always be unique....
2007-01-09 21:22:09 · answer #3 · answered by CRA 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Those are several question in one.
1. learned behavior, exposure, ect.
2.what remains the same is the personal makeup we are born with. example three children raised in the same home, same enviorment. Each child is slapped across the face. One reacts with hurt and is crushed, one reacts in anger and slaps back, one reacts with confusion and ask why. Same slap different outcome depending the the type of self we are.
2007-01-09 21:24:16 · answer #4 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The "Self" is the part of you that wants an answer to this question.
2007-01-09 21:20:07 · answer #5 · answered by guitar teacher 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋