Understanding Ourselves: The Self and the Body

"One must know oneself. If this does not serve to discover truth, it at least serves as a rule of life, and there is nothing better."–Blaise Pascal.

In this quote, Pascal has suggested that self-reflection may not lead to universal, objective truth, it is an essential guide for how to live one's life. 

Source- Chat GPT

The Body

• Our physical body is what carries us through life, requiring food, water, rest, and exercise to stay healthy.
• Even when all the body's physical needs are met, our emotional state—our self—can still be unhappy.
• For example, you might feel sad after arguing with a friend, even while eating your favorite meal. This sadness affects the self, not the body.

The Self

The Self is the invisible part—the real “I.” 

It thinks, feels, desires, and makes decisions. 

It has activities that are continuous and never-ending:

• Desire: “What do I want?”

• Thought: “How can I get it?”

• Expectation: “What do I expect from others or the world?”

Source: Canva

All these together form our imagination, which can make us happy or unhappy depending on whether it matches our true values.

The Sources of Our Imagination

1. Preconditioning: Beliefs we pick up from family, society, or media without questioning.

2. Sensation: Desires triggered by what we see, taste, or feel.

3. Natural Acceptance: The inner voice that tells us what truly feels right.

                                                                          Source: Canva

When we listen to our Natural Acceptance, we feel peaceful and content. When we only chase preconditioning or sensations, we often feel restless.

Why This Matters

Understanding the Self and the Body helps us:

• Make better choices (not just based on peer pressure).

• Handle emotions like anger and stress.

• Build stronger, more caring relationships.

• Find happiness that lasts—not just quick fixes.

                                                                        Source: Canva

So, the next time you feel uneasy, ask yourself: Is it my Body that needs care, or is it my Self that needs understanding?

True wisdom is balancing both. 

MCQs

1. The Self in a human being is mainly concerned with:
a) Eating and sleeping
b) Thinking, feeling, and deciding
c) Exercising and walking
d) Breathing and digesting

2. Which of the following is NOT a source of imagination?

a) Preconditioning
b) Sensation
c) Natural Acceptance
d) Nutrition

3. Which statement best explains the relationship between the Self and the Body?

a) The Body controls the Self.
b) The Self and Body are the same.
c) The Self and Body co-exist but are different in nature.
d) The Body decides what the Self should think.

4. The activity of the Self that involves “What do I expect from others?” is called:
a) Desire
b) Thought
c) Expectation
d) Imagination

5. If someone eats their favorite food but still feels unhappy due to an argument, this shows:

a) The Body is more important than the Self
b) The Self can feel unhappy even when the Body’s needs are met
c) The Body has unlimited desires
d) Imagination is not continuous