How do you know that you are really "you"?

Answer 1

I don't... I assume, based on experiences, that I am a singular entity. Experiences are finite, and are limited by perception. Perceptions are limiting, and can be flawed. I think, therefore I am deceived...

Answer 2

Well assuming you know your own past, like who your parents are or even if you don't, the person you look in that mirror at is you in flesh. The person inside is totally different, for instance, You could have everthing going for you by appearance but all tore up inside. You actions and reactions to whatever obstacles in life you face make who you are. If you were faced with a homeless person askin for money and you drop him a couple of dollars, that shows you aren't selfish, but at the same time, it shows you are too kind hearted which could lead to you being stepped on alot. Thats why you would leave your donations with a distributor like Salvation Army or something, that way you don't feel selfish and your helpin alot of people. If you are not happy with whom your with in life, only change can correct that. Sometimes we go through several relationships to find the right person, when you find him/her you will feel right. But anyway you are you and thats all there is to it.

Answer 3

Well, on the surface of it, this seems like a tautology. You exist by definition of you thinking. Or, as Descartes says, you think, therefore you exist.

I think perhaps what your worried about is thinking about what others have to say. It is fine to learn from others and the world. You have to make your own judgment as to worth of the ideas, which is fine - and you can certainly change your mind.

Or perhaps you are worried about split personality. I am very unfamiliar with this, as I am more a philosopher and economist rather than a psychologist. But I think that split personality is rather like playing different roles - that you know think you have these characteristics, and then you think you have others. You are still you.

Answer 4

As opposed to....? While I "know" who I am from my inner, NOT outer society, I evolve, I modify. I go through phases. But I'm quite certain I'm always ME. The core-ME. I've found technical jargon rather superfluous, so I seldom use it unless in conference with colleagues (who tend to disagree anyway).
I just wondered if you're at all introspective. You'll know you're "you" although not precisely the same you at all times...

Edit: Couldn't resist--Blindman: "Everything you know about yourself is from outside sources." How confusing that would be, with the disparity of "outside" perceptions. angelwith4 faces is correct about "split personalities," you are still you. As in multiple personalities. Interesting & many thoughtful answers. I must give you a star!

Answer 5

You are you when you cant blame anyone for pushing you to do things his/her way. You might be scared realizing some of the things you say or do are really your own creation, but at least you will know yourself better

Answer 6

ooooo, i like this question...Very interesting
Hmmmmm, who knows init? Im a mixture of my mother and father..and social influence...That's me.
All these combined..even if it is Anti-conformity, identification, internalization...i am Still me. My charater =)

Answer 7

Because I took the time to examine every last peice of social programing and then rejected it all.

Answer 8

You can never really know what it is that you are. Everything you know about yourself is essentially from outside sources.

Answer 9

Because. That's it, nothing else. I am really me. Really more of a philosophical question, don't you think? I think. Therefore, I am.

Answer 10

bang your head against the wall a few times. The pain you feel that no one else does proves it