THE SELF

The popular project to show the world who we really are can be summed up in the search for the self and why it’s become such an important quest for our identity.

A new force, yet age-old, this search has in recent years taken on extraordinary importance due largely to the digitalisation of our experiences in the world, leading to a need to express what the self really means.

The quest goes back a long way, however, into Ancient Greek times, with the emergence of Socrates, one of the first individuals who dared to question the gods and the elites of Athens by proclaiming that, 'True Wisdom is to know that you know nothing' and to live the most fulfilling life possible is simply 'knowing thyself' through reason, virtue, and moral principles.

Noted for his unkempt appearance and unattractive face, he once held a contest, bare footed, with a good looking Athenian youth to demonstrate this point. As well as a philosopher, he was a military hero whose bravery on the battlefield demonstrated extraordinary individual courage.

Socrates is said to have gone happily to his death in 399 BC when condemned by those around him rather than give up on his philosophical belief that we are responsible for our own happiness and that to 'know thyself' is the most important quest we can undertake.

Knowing who we are, and being brave enough to stand our ground, is not easy as each of us knows. Life is difficult and events come along without any warning sometimes, throwing us into chaos. Individuals we meet can go out of their way to convince us we’re on the wrong path, just as Socrates encountered such people.

So, like Socrates, remember as you live your life that you know nothing, question everything, and don’t be afraid to let the light shine from you as a reminder to the world of your truth.

Meg Mooney

VERSION II: THE SELF

What does ‘the self’ or the ‘Self’ actually mean to you?

I considered the ten-minute writing prompt from the Sydney School of Art and Humanities on my laptop screen, staring back at me from my email inbox.

Contemplating what I might write, I opened a blank Word document, ready to begin. Then I navigated between browser windows, to the website I still had open from earlier. What does ‘the self’ mean? I typed into ChatGPT.

For several seconds three rolling dots spun in a circle on the screen, before they merged together to form a tick mark. Words rapidly appeared:

“The self” is a concept that refers to an individual’s sense of identity and personal existence. It encompasses various aspects, including self-concept, self-awareness, self-identity, and philosophical perspectives. Overall, “the self” is a complex and multifaceted concept that plays a crucial role in psychology, philosophy, and personal development.

I slowly nodded to myself as I read. Towards the end the wheels in my head started turning. Once I finished, and I copy-pasted the answer to my Word file, I kept typing:

At the SSOA in-person catch-up I had an interesting chat with Dave. He started talking about the experience of becoming a parent, and how the most painful part was clinging onto the old person and everything they used to do. Except I didn’t really relate, because I never felt like I clung on to old things. Dave circled around it a few times, and I kept not getting it, and I felt quite awkward for not getting it. Why is that? When I transformed how come my 'self' didn’t go through that pain?

The three rolling dots spun in a circle on the screen. This time however, the dots didn’t form a tick mark; they kept rolling. I kept an eye on the clock in the bottom right corner of my laptop screen as the minutes ticked by. Sweat beaded on my forehead. Less than a minute remained.

Finally, an answer appeared:

You’re on your own, Matty.

I looked up at the ceiling and sighed in frustration. Heart pounding, I opened the Word file and stared at the empty space. Just me and my thoughts.

Without thinking twice I wrote out a list:

1. Jiu jitsu

2. Nature's teachings

3. Profound music

Then I added, in red text, TO BE COMPLETED.

I considered the results of my pitiful attempt. 'Ah, shit,' I murmured. 'I’ll just tell Christine I didn’t do it.'

Matt Jackson

Copyright

texts: Meg Mooney

& Matt Jackson

pics: cv williams.

Sydney School of Arts & Humanities offers weekly feedback sessions for emerging writers to hone their work. If you’d like to take part simply contact us at sydneysoa@outlook.com