Tuesday, March 13, 2012

I Think, Therefore, What Am I?

I THINK, THEREFORE, I AM is a famous phrase associated with philosopher Rene Descartes. It has been quoted throughout the ages as humanity ponders its existence. While searching for a word beginning with "I" it is this single letter in the quotation that stands out in my mind and causes me to examine what it means to be me.

How else would I preface every thought and sentence that I utter? It is, after all, all about me. As my baby picture shows, I was born an individual and I am not a "we". No one can see things exactly as I do from my wide-eyed perspective.

How different this world would be if every sense of self were abandoned for the global we. We would function more efficiently like bees in a hive working for a greater good. But it is the "I" in me that delights in its uniqueness. And although I think I am separate from others, I suspect trickery conceals that I am but a tiny droplet connected to one shared sea.

Perhaps the "I" in me is part of the grander "we". But right now I'm the star of my own reality show on live tv. And although my story is not the same as yours it is likely similar, which is why most of us can relate to the twists and turns and the ups and downs in Dr. Seuss's book: Oh, the Places You'll Go, so brilliantly interpreted by Burning Man 2011.

Click on the link above and see if you agree.

Copyright by Penelope Puddlisms

This post showcases the letter "I". If you think words are fun and enjoy playing with the alphabet, visit ABC Wednesday.

14 comments:

  1. Your own reality TV? I like that! I am definitely the star of my own drama. :))

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  2. Interesting post. It would be nice if we could all respect each others individuality and all be concerned with peaceful coexistence. Carver, ABC Wednesday Team

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  3. Oh you were a beautiful baby! Great post. Have a wonderful week.

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  4. Hmmm, made me think of the 'Royal we' a la Queen Victoria!
    Jane x

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  5. I...a most important word and letter.
    Your choice of words about being your own reality show are priceless.
    Perfect!

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  6. What a wonderful baby photo. So you've always had big, beautiful eyes! I think, therefore, you are a beautiful person.
    Luv, K

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  7. Thought provoking post today, Penelope. I can certainly relate and wish others could be concerned about co-existing lovingly and peacefully.

    Leslie
    abcw team

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  8. Oh my, you were such a beautiful baby! Excellent post...I loved the Burning Man 2011.

    "And although our plots are not the same, what it's like to be me might be similar to what it's like to be you." I think so, too! xx

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  9. I always feel like I'm the star of my own reality show. Thanks for guesting in it!
    ROG, ABC Wednesday team

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  10. A tiny droplet, perhaps, but the only one of its kind, and from that absolutely adorable picture, I can discern that your wide-eyed perspective that takes in your world with such sensitivity began at a very early age.

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  11. I liked the sentence about it all being about me - or, rather, you. You're so right :)

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  12. You were soo cute as a baby. Nice post!

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  13. You made me think about “we”, Penelope. When I talk about Japanese things in general, I sometimes use “we” but to be accurate I have to write "Japanese people" or “many Japanese”. And I suppose “we Japanese ....” could imply “you foreigners” depending on the situation, though it’s not my intention. Anyway, I belong to myself. You were such a cute baby!

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