Quote by Henry David Thoreau

I know myself as a human entity; the scene, so to speak, or thoughts are affection; and am sensible of certain doubleness by which I can stand as remote from myself as from another. However intense my experience, I am conscious of the presence and criticism of a part of me, which, as it were, is no part of me, but spectator, sharing no experience, but taking note of it, and that is no more I than it is you.

I know myself as a human entity; the scene, so to speak, or

Summary

In this quote, the speaker reflects on their self-awareness and introspective nature. They perceive themselves as a human being capable of experiencing emotions and thoughts, and yet they also recognize a sense of detachment from these experiences. They feel a certain duality within themselves, where they can separate from their own emotions and thoughts to observe and analyze them objectively. This detached part, which they refer to as a "spectator," is distinct from their identity and is able to critically evaluate their experiences.

Topics

Identity

By Henry David Thoreau

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