I am NOT what I am

"I am NOT what I am", said Iago. "I think therefore I am", said Descartes. "I am, what I am", said Sartre.

The crisis of identity is as old as the existence of mankind itself. The sense of self is a fragmented one, a virtual one. 'I' can only see myself in parts... in blocks... I can see my hands, my arms, my legs, my feet... but 'I' can never see 'Myself' in entirety. 'My' sense of self, comes from the 'image', 'I' see in the mirror. The 'looking glass' gives me the only chance to 'look' at myself, and since the 'image' is a virtual one, therefore, my sense of self is always clouded with doubt.

Perhaps, that is why, the identification of self, has always been an obsession of man. Perhaps, that is why, we try to find ourselves through others. We try to measure our 'self' through friendships... relationships... professional success... fame... money... power... the parameters might be different, but all serve the same purpose. Thus, when the parameter, which in the first place itself is intangible, no longer is able to give a 'correct' account of the self... SELF DOUBT creeps in.

The 'Angst', therefore, is a result of the shifting of parameters, rather than the crisis of an identity. Also, our fixation with the constant prevents us from accepting the fact that matter/meaning is supposed to be in the state of flux.

Even the atoms is steel are in a state of flux.

And so, my dear friend is Identity… it's FLUID.

Sid