Shedding the self illusion enhances ethical living.
Language shapes our understanding of self and others.
Interconnectedness fosters appreciation for communal personhood.
Deep dives
Living Without a Self Means Living More Ethically
Living without a self allows individuals to recognize that shedding the illusion of self promotes a more ethical life. By understanding that our existence is interdependent rather than independent, we can cultivate healthier relationships and a greater sense of fulfillment.
Identity Formation Through Social Interaction and Language
The formation of personal identity is intricately linked to social interactions and language. Infants learn to recognize themselves as persons by first understanding the personhood and sentience of others. Language plays a vital role in attributing beliefs, desires, and thoughts, shaping our understanding of self and others as cognitive agents.
Interconnectedness Shapes Our Concept of Self
Our concept of self emerges through interconnectedness, not in isolation. Recognizing the interbeing nature of existence highlights our reliance on others to form our identity. Interconnectedness fosters a deeper appreciation for the communal aspect of personhood and underscores the importance of collective meaning-making.
Living on the Cusp of Fact and Fiction
Persons exist at the intersection of fact and fiction, embodying both biological reality and social constructed identity. Our embeddedness in a wider societal context distinguishes us from literary personas, emphasizing our embodied, enacted, and embedded nature. This realization encourages a more profound care for humanity and a nuanced understanding of morality.
Reclaiming Humanity Through Acceptance of No Self
Accepting the absence of a self is not a rejection of identity but a reclamation of humanity. Embracing the interconnected and interdependent nature of our existence allows for a deeper connection with others, fostering gratitude, care, and friendship. Shedding egoism and embracing our shared humanity leads to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
We often hear about the Buddhist teaching of no-self. But what does it actually mean to live without a self? In his new book, "Losing Ourselves: Learning to Live Without a Self," scholar Jay Garfield argues that shedding the illusion of the self can actually make you a better person. Drawing from Buddhism, Western philosophy, and cognitive neuroscience, Garfield unpacks how the notion of self is not only wrong but also morally dangerous. Once we let go of this illusion, he argues, we can lead healthier and more ethically skillful lives. In today’s episode of Tricycle Talks, Tricycle editor-in-chief James Shaheen sits down with Garfield to talk about the ethical perils of the self illusion, the freedom that can come from moments of selflessness, and how we can let go of our selves to reclaim our humanity.
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