The Self Emerges From Connection

The essence of self is intrinsically tied to cultural influences and relationships, highlighting that personal identity is shaped through interactions with others. Family and close relationships serve as foundational experiences, where even fleeting encounters contribute to one's sense of self. This perspective challenges the prevailing belief in individualism, suggesting that true identity cannot be understood in isolation but rather as a product of communal existence. The notion that a self can exist independently of others is fundamentally flawed, emphasizing the critical role of interpersonal connections in shaping who we are.