Knowing

Oneself
Lesson 1
 Introduction
Many of our millennials jump to conclusions about themselves knowing more what, know and
believe they do about themselves and technology has improved this definition through apps
and media, especially how they used these platforms in defining themselves (Social Media and
Doubt; Jacobson, 2020).

Their social media profiles give a new meaning to who they are as a person living in this digital
age. However, this does not answer the most and perhaps the fundamental question, “Do you
know yourself?” Often, this question delves into the fundamental entity of ourselves, the basic
question of understanding ourselves, not just through our expressions in social platforms and
the like but, deals in more “How much do we know about our self?” in the process
Do you still remember your scores when you took your NCAE in
junior high school? Have you thought about what you will do after
your Senior High School or beyond your college years? A great
way to refresh dreams and reminisce about your future endeavors
is to remember your “ideal self.” Psychologists often call this
"future self." Below is a simple drill to refresh your “current self.”
● The Self, in contemporary literature and even common sense, is commonly
defined by the following characteristics: “separate, self-contained, independent,
consistent, unitary, and private” (Stevens, 1996).

● When we talk about the self, being “separate,” it means it is distinct, different and
unique from others. It has its own uniqueness that defines him/her from others. It
has an identity of its own, even twins, may it be fraternal, is very much distinct
from the other.

● When we are talking about “self-contained,” we describe its existence as having its
own independence. It may exist with or without others; it is self-containing of its
own thoughts, characteristics and volition.

● For example, we make our profile pictures in social media, carefully choosing a
picture that expresses more of our thoughts, that tells us of what we are, that tells
us what we are in real life. Although, in these given times, it is easy to create
another “self” or deceive someone using a make-up “self”.
Nevertheless, although it is relatively easy to make another “self” in this age of social media and
advance technology, the “self” is very much consistent and persisting. Every “self” has its own
personality that is enduring, that lasts during late adolescence. Its uniqueness and its
consistency allow it to be studied, described and even measured (also means that a particular
self’s traits, characteristics, tendencies and potentialities) are very evident and distinguishable
from other “selves.”

The Self is unitary in that it is the center of all experiences and thoughts that run a particular
person. It is the topmost executive in an individual where all processes, emotions, and
thoughts converged. Lastly, the self is private. A person may sort out information, feelings and
emotions, and thought processes within the self. The whole process is never accessible to
anyone but the self. This suggests that the self is isolated from the external world. It lives
within its own world.
Having in its own world means, you can create or nurture what you can be (ideal self) or
maintain/improve your current self (actual self). The ideal self pertains to the image or
aspirations of what you want to become. This may be similar in hoping characteristics that you
do not possess as of the moment, but may one day be part of who you are, just like what
Filipinos tend to watch in various talent shows.

This may be the ability to have a beautiful voice; or have different achievements like the
characteristics of your idols or other international figures (Michael Jordan, Sarah Geronimo
etc.) While the actual self as the term implies “actual”, is your present self that you see on the
daily basis. It is the self that is constantly keeping in touch in your everyday experiences. It has
the potential to improve or develop as deemed by every individual. This may also pertain to the
gifts that you possess that is innate in you when you were born.
Combining these two categories of the self, it established the distinction of the Self-Concept.
This is a collection of beliefs about one’s basic nature, unique qualities, and typical behavior.
Although we may have so many dimensions in which we describe ourselves such as “I’m
grateful” or “I’m friendly”, we have separate concepts of our physical, social, emotional and
intellectual selves; yet we are still referring to one single entity that is unique and very distinct
from others (Don Hamachek, 1992).

Our various self-concepts are characterized by relatively distinct thoughts and feelings. That is,
we may have considerable information about our social skills and feel quite confident with
regard to them but have limited information about our physical skills and feel less confident
about this aspect of our self. When a particular self-concept is operating, its attendant
thoughts and feelings will strongly influence the way we process self-relevant information
(Fiske & Taylor, 1991).

There are several factors that shape self-concept. Among them are your own observations,
feedback from others and cultural values.
 Your Own
Observations
In the process of self-introspection, that may help you re-evaluate your
motivations and, in real-time, observing what you do at this moment is one
of the significant information about your interest or dislike. During early
childhood, we start observing our behavior and drawing conclusions about
ourselves.

We are aware of what we do; we dislike; can and cannot do. Although,
when we are still children, our observations are not entirely correct or
sometimes subject to change and entirely up to us, to retain or to improve.
We even compare our observed selves from others. In social comparison
theory, people need to compare themselves with others in order to gain
insight into their own behavior
Feedback from
Others
Positive and negative criticisms also create an impact on self-concept.
People talk about us or how they discriminate us give an important aspect in
shaping the self-concept. The amount of criticism, feedback we sometimes
freely give, helps shape the current self-concept of what we choose to be or
not. As we grow old, the number of significant and non-significant people
in our lives also grows.

Everyone contributes in reshaping the self-concept. Even our ability to

accomplish something or destroy ourselves comes from painful remarks or
constructive criticism of others. In child-rearing, especially the parents, has a
unique and essential role in reinforcing and shaping the self-concept. As
children, we receive direct feedback from them.
Their constant approval and disapproval set guidelines for what should be
or not, shaping and inputting the values and characteristics of the children
and, later, becoming what they are when they grow. The saying “Kung ano
ang puno ay siyang bunga”, is a testament output family values instilled in
childhood rearing practices. Aside from children comparing their actions
from others, they also compare themselves to their parents.

That is why sometimes, even when our parents are gone, we still have their
characteristics and values; we unconsciously accept this as our self-concept,
along with their approvals and disapprovals. Most of us, especially when we
are young, take this sort of feedback to heart. Thus, it is no surprise that
studies find an association between parents’ views of a child and the child’s
self-concept (Wylie, 1979). There is even more substantial evidence for a
relationship between children’s perception of their parents’ attitudes toward
them and their self-perception
Self-concept is also indirectly influenced by cultural values. In the study of Cultural Psychology,
in this age of technology and social media, we accept our differences, especially on how we
accept the culture and beliefs of others. Japanese society does not tolerate corruption; the
Philippines has always been influenced or has always had that familial clinging of thinking and
protectiveness. The Chinese have always thought to have a strong business minded stand in
their points of view. The society in which we are raised defines what is “good” and “bad” in
personality and behavior. American culture tends to put a premium on individuality,
competitive success, strength and skills. These cultural values influence how we interpret our
behavior. In the Philippines, our cultural values were shaped by historical colonization, which is
evident in our present society, particularly our strong family ties. Another is cultural hospitality
that is deemed acceptable as our nature. Even the dismal corruption that has been the
perennial problem of the country also shaped the tolerance of Filipinos as a way of answering
societal problems..
Cultural Values/ Cultural Guidelines
Self-concept is also indirectly influenced by cultural values. In the study of Cultural Psychology,
in this age of technology and social media, we accept our differences, especially on how we
accept the culture and beliefs of others. Japanese society does not tolerate corruption; the
Philippines has always been influenced or has always had that familial clinging of thinking and
protectiveness. The Chinese have always thought to have a strong business minded stand in
their points of view. The society in which we are raised defines what is “good” and “bad” in
personality and behavior.

American culture tends to put a premium on individuality, competitive success, strength and
skills. These cultural values influence how we interpret our behavior. In the Philippines, our
cultural values were shaped by historical colonization, which is evident in our present society,
particularly our strong family ties. Another is cultural hospitality that is deemed acceptable as
our nature. Even the dismal corruption that has been the perennial problem of the country also
shaped the tolerance of Filipinos as a way of answering societal problems..
Having Self-
knowledge
It derives from our social interactions of society that provide insight into
how others react to us. It is the same as gaining feedback from others. The
reaction of other people is an essential aspect of gaining actual-self or our
self-image. Even our social roles are adjusted, on how we view ourselves
today, and how ideally (ideal self) what we would like to be in the future.
There is a negotiation that exists between the two selves, which is
complicated by numerous exchanges between the ideal self and actual self.
These exchanges are exemplified in these social roles, and they are adjusted
continuously and re-adjusted.
Activities
Do you still remember your scores when you took your NCAE in junior high school? Have you
thought about what you will do after your Senior High School or beyond your college years? A
great way to refresh dreams and reminisce about your future endeavors is to remember your
“ideal self.” Psychologists often call this "future self." This activity will serve as a simple drill to
refresh your “current self.”

Using a Powerpoint presentation,

You need to introduce yourself in the class (shows you hobbies or favorite things) and then
present some pictures during your elementary, high school and senior high school years. Every
year try to remember what “dream job” you want to have and let’s see how your life
endeavours change over the years.

After that try to imagine what will be your life 10 years from now.
Note: You need to materialize that idea… so if you want to be a Doctor someday, you need to
dress like a doctor..
If 10 years from now you imagine yourself living in your dream house then design your own
house, IT'S UP TO YOU!

Your presentation should be creative, detailed and can catch the attention of the audience.
Individual presentation will be on JANUARY 14. (3mins for each student)

STRICTLY NO PRESENTATION NO ATTENDANCE. Good luck!