Blog 13

After reading Galen Strawson article, “I am not a Story”, I reflected on my own life. I feel that my life fits very well in a generic narrative mode.  When expressing myself to others, the easiest way is to tell a story. People can relate and understand better to stories. This is because it is a universal way of communication. Telling these stories could include key parts that help the listener to understand me. I found it very interesting when Strawson said, “there is, furthermore, a vast difference between people who regularly and actively remember their past, and people who almost never do.” This makes me think that is you are constantly remembering your past in detail, then the reality of your past will be more accurate. Not remembering your past could lead to inaccurate or surreal details being presented when you narrate your past. Another point of the article is when Strawson presents the idea that you can perceive yourself as multiple people. I can relate to this as different personalities can seem like different people. In society, you have to be presentable and informative. This may not be your natural self, rather a self made up to please society. Then you can have your natural self where you are a free spirit, willing to do anything you want. This is the case for me where I feel like I can have many selves. I have different selves when in public, in class, around friends, and when participating in sports. This could be due to the norms that have been created that teach you how to act at different places. I can seem vastly different from place to place but still remain the same person.  The best thing to do in life is to just act as yourself. This will lead to a happier life where you feel free to express and act the way necessary. Having constraints can cause you to lash out at bad times or feel the burden of keeping it bottled up inside.

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