Discussion: "Is 'the self' a path to understanding - or an obstacle?"
Detalhes
Is a strong sense of personal identity helpful in understanding the world and others? Or does it inevitably distort what we see? How much can we shape our identity and how should it be done?
In this session of Marginal Thoughts, we will consider the role of personal identity - 'the self' - in making sense of the world. Before our different selves make sense of this topic, we'll read three short pieces:
- A short story by Andy Weir: "The Egg" (~10 min; alternative: animated adaptation by Kurzgesagt)
- An essay by Paul Graham: "Keep Your Identity Small" (~8 min)
- A poem by Stanley Kunitz: "The Layers" (~2 min)
In these, Andy Weir diagnoses the universe with multiple personality disorder, Paul Graham urges people to do a 'Marie Kondo' on their identities, and Stanley Kunitz likens himself to a lasagna.
How to prepare
Please read all the materials in advance. As you do, try to identify at least one point of curiosity, confusion, or uncertainty - these will be natural starting points for our discussion.
What to expect
This is an in-person, conversational meetup in English. The goal isn't to debate, lecture, or "confess" - it’s to explore ideas and leave with better questions than we arrived with.
Optional stuff for the extra curious
Julia Galef in her book "The Scout Mindset" examines the relationship between identity and truth-seeking, and expands on the idea of keeping one's identity small (the most relevant chapter is also the topic of this animated short). When it comes to identity, Borges made it too difficult to choose a single piece (e.g., "The Nothingness of Personality", "Borges and I", "The Other", etc.). For the interested, this Marginalian article offers a tempting rabbit hole of links.