The Self, Facts, Truth, Justice, and Peace

(What really is the Self? Is it some kind of philosophical construct with no real-world implications or
applications? Only limited to debate? How important knowing the Self really is? Does knowing the Self
equate to facts? Do facts equate to truths? And if so, do these truths have implications on how people
govern and live in societies? Does the Self really have redeeming qualities? Is knowing the Self the same
as knowing others? Does it translate to fair treatment between persons? Does it translate to fair
treatment between societies? How about between countries? How about justice? Does it affect our quest
for justice? In what way? How about in our quest for peace? Does knowledge and wisdom of the Self
really have implications for peace?

(Can you please make us understand? Can you give us examples or some sort of demonstrations or
explanations on how these things work, their dynamics, and how these constructs influence each other?
Please enlighten us.)

Start your written discourse below this line:

Self is a broad word that a human can’t have the capability to thoroughly or exactly define what
the self really is. It’s above and beyond humans’ reasoning ability. Questions and reflections on the Self
appear to be as old as humanity, and the "Who am I" inquiry appears to have travelled through history,
being passed down and wrapped as theoretical underpinnings as science began to develop, only to be
challenged by the postmodern era intellectuals and philosophers. Many philosophers share their
understanding and views about “self” but still, the exact definition of it is not yet distinguished. Presently,
the millennials, like us, continue to examine that subject in many ways and approaches.

The essence of the self and how man interacts with nature are central to most philosophical
beliefs. The emphasis is on characterizing and comprehending the human individual's being-ness and
existence, as well as what makes him up: mind, body, and soul, and whether they are different, separate,
or interdependent. Various philosophers have argued over whether man's self-identity is made possible
by his awareness, or if the self is rational, moral, or possesses consciousness that evidences this thinking
process. Others would doubt the existence of the self (there is no self, only a collection of continually
changing perceptions) or the immortality of the soul, which is the foundation of the self.

The search for self-awareness is a difficult and lifelong undertaking. Self-awareness is at the heart
of self-worth and acceptance. Knowing yourself is a worthwhile endeavor in every man's life, despite its
difficult realities. "He who knows others is intelligent; he who knows himself is enlightened," as an old
proverb puts it, "a man's desire for pleasure and purpose in life can never be satisfied unless he
understands himself."

It's very normal for a person to struggle with determining what they need most in life.
Unfortunately, people often forget how critical this is for the general well-being and how valuable it is in
understanding others. There's an intriguing link between self-awareness and empathy views, as many
people think that understanding yourself is the first step toward understanding others. Experts have even
studied how crucial it is to get in touch with one's own sentiments in order to comprehend others.
Emphatic people appear to be adept at controlling both their own and other people's emotions at the
same time. When you think about it, it's nearly hard to comprehend and assist others if you can't
comprehend and assist yourself, simultaneously.

You must grasp the world around you in order to be a fully productive individual in your
surroundings. You must have a clear idea of what is going on and how you may engage. That is why it is
so important to comprehend other people's feelings, motivations, and views. It's a crucial social skill that
will aid you in your quest to achieve all of your objectives. Learning to put oneself in other people's shoes
is a positive societal skill in daily life that might also help society promote more cross-cultural
understanding. However, in order to completely grasp other people, you must first be at peace with
yourself and all of your life's burden.

Personal introspection begins and finishes the process of getting to know oneself. Understanding
what makes you happy or unhappy, uncovering your anxieties, and determining how you genuinely feel
about yourself is a process that takes time, work, and bravery. Understanding who you are and allowing
it to be the foundation for all of your relationships is the finest thing you can do for others. Because the
only way to engage with them is to be yourself, not the person they want you to be. You have the ability
to educate them on how to love and care for the real you.

Knowing oneself better allows you to make better decisions, create and achieve more suitable
objectives, and live a more productive life. When you're being true to yourself, you're being entirely
honest about how you feel, what you value strongly, and what you want. It also entails being honest with
yourself and others about your feelings, allowing your truth to flow freely through you and out into the
world. By this, you are making peace and justice to those around you.

-OGAYON, MARY ROSE B. BSCE-1B