The individual in the ordinary circumstances of living may feel more unreal than real; in a literal sense, more dead than alive; precariously differentiated from the rest of the world, so that his identity and autonomy are always in question.... He may not possess an over-riding sense of personal consistency or cohesiveness. He may feel more insubstantial than substantial, and unable to assume that the stuff he is made of is genuine, good, valuable. And he may feel his self as partially divorced from his body.

Summary

This quote highlights the existential struggle of an individual who feels disconnected from their own identity and the world around them. In ordinary situations, they may find themselves questioning their own existence, feeling more like a mere observer than an active participant in life. This lack of a strong sense of self can lead to feelings of being insubstantial, unreal, and detached from their own physical being. As a result, the individual may grapple with issues of authenticity, value, and self-worth.

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