Another topic I wanted to discuss is the question of whether people change.
From the biological point of view, the body grows new cells all the time and the skin that we wore 10 years ago is not the same skin we are wearing today, although it appears quite identical. From the psychological perspective, certain traumatic experiences and/or experiences that are extreme in nature tend to change the way we perceive ourselves and change the way we perceive our reality. Yet, I always hear that the "core" of a person always stays the same, and I am curious about what you guys think about this.
I believe that these types of experiences help us get to the core rather than change the core itself; and the wider the range of our emotional experiences, arguably, the more we know ourselves (i.e. the more we know this "core"). Very valid arguments can be made on both sides though...
From the biological point of view, the body grows new cells all the time and the skin that we wore 10 years ago is not the same skin we are wearing today, although it appears quite identical. From the psychological perspective, certain traumatic experiences and/or experiences that are extreme in nature tend to change the way we perceive ourselves and change the way we perceive our reality. Yet, I always hear that the "core" of a person always stays the same, and I am curious about what you guys think about this.
I believe that these types of experiences help us get to the core rather than change the core itself; and the wider the range of our emotional experiences, arguably, the more we know ourselves (i.e. the more we know this "core"). Very valid arguments can be made on both sides though...
And now, a great pic I found:
Very, very interesting. I love the argument:
ReplyDeleteIf the core is constant and hidden, and we (as persons) must uncover it through experience and exercise, then it must mean that the core is really unchangeable and preset, in a sense. This conclusion will branch out into topics about destiny, nature vs. nurture (or its futility, rather), cloning, uniqueness, soul, etc.
But it is a valid point, since Buddhist texts (and other spiritual works) teach to reach your inner self and oneness through meditation and awareness.
I would agree that our life's journey (at least in this stage) is one of search and discovery, rather than of change.
Paradoxical! =D
Hmmm. I think people can change, both superficially and on a more fundamental level. But I'll have to think some more why I believe that though.
ReplyDeletehttp://ficklecattle.blogspot.com/