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Does Humpty-Dumpty say that we see our true selves only when we are broke?

Discuss the November 2022 Philosophy Book of the Month, In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes.

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Sushan
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Re: Does Humpty-Dumpty say that we see our true selves only when we are broke?

Post by Sushan »

Sheilaread wrote: January 31st, 2023, 4:20 am This is a very interesting concept of this rhythm. I’ve never thought of it this way before.

We do know that it’s often very true that we can’t begin to heal our brokenness until we reach a very low point. Usually there’s no one that can begin that healing process but us. We must reach up and out for help first. Then we find resources to help get the pieces put together and get us back on track.

This whole idea shows us that even if we seem to be failing at something, we must find ways to seek help. Not just stay in our sad and broken place.
You've raised a valid point about the potential for personal growth and healing that can come from facing adversity. It's true that many times we need to experience a low point in order to recognize that we need help and make a change in our lives. This process can lead to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our needs.

Using the Humpty Dumpty nursery rhyme as a metaphor for this journey of self-discovery and healing is an intriguing interpretation. While the original rhyme might not have been intended as a philosophical piece, it can still serve as a catalyst for meaningful discussions on the challenges we face and how we can rise above them.

The key takeaway is that we should not shy away from seeking help and support when needed, as it can ultimately lead to personal growth and a better understanding of our true selves.
“There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers”

– William James
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Re: Does Humpty-Dumpty say that we see our true selves only when we are broke?

Post by Yasmine M »

Sushan Ekanayake wrote: February 12th, 2023, 3:41 am Maybe the Humpty Dumpty had said so. But most importantly, others see who we are when we are broke. Not only when we are broke, but we get back up the others judge us and label us.
I think the point raised in the book is that, what people think of us does not define us. They can see us when we are broken, broke and on the ground but that's what their eyes see. Their opinions don't define us because, we know that we are very much here despite our broken exterior parts. The 'I am" inside me might hurt for loosing that shell but it is pretty much the same "I am" who can build another shell.
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Re: Does Humpty-Dumpty say that we see our true selves only when we are broke?

Post by Yasmine M »

Taking Humpty Dumpty as reference I disagree that we see our true selves only when we are broken; It is rather: 'even if we are broken, our true selves remain'. Our consciousness, our identity deep inside remains.
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Catalina Isabel
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Re: Does Humpty-Dumpty say that we see our true selves only when we are broke?

Post by Catalina Isabel »

Shondranika Ford wrote: February 1st, 2023, 8:50 pm I love this section in the book because we are pretty much shells, masks, and any covering you can think of. Once we get rid of the outer self, we can broadcast our inner self - the REAL you.
Yes, I totally agree with this. I think once we have seen our real selves, we can never be back together again. That is, back to how we were before. It's like all the lessons learnt, especially the difficult ones shape who we are now. We can never unlearn those.
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Re: Does Humpty-Dumpty say that we see our true selves only when we are broke?

Post by Sushan »

Yasmine M wrote: April 13th, 2023, 5:24 am
Sushan Ekanayake wrote: February 12th, 2023, 3:41 am Maybe the Humpty Dumpty had said so. But most importantly, others see who we are when we are broke. Not only when we are broke, but we get back up the others judge us and label us.
I think the point raised in the book is that, what people think of us does not define us. They can see us when we are broken, broke and on the ground but that's what their eyes see. Their opinions don't define us because, we know that we are very much here despite our broken exterior parts. The 'I am" inside me might hurt for loosing that shell but it is pretty much the same "I am" who can build another shell.
You've touched on a profound idea here. The concept of the "true self" being separate from external circumstances, judgments, and opinions is indeed a powerful one. It highlights the importance of self-awareness and self-discovery, which can be facilitated by going through challenging experiences that strip away the layers of our identity built around material possessions and social constructs.

When we are faced with adversity, we have the opportunity to discover our inner strength, resilience, and the core essence of who we are. This understanding can help us rebuild and create a life that is more authentic and aligned with our true selves. As you said, the "I am" within us remains intact, even when the external shell is broken. Recognizing and embracing this inner essence can lead to personal growth, empowerment, and ultimately a deeper sense of fulfillment in life.
“There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers”

– William James
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Sushan
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Re: Does Humpty-Dumpty say that we see our true selves only when we are broke?

Post by Sushan »

Yasmine M wrote: April 13th, 2023, 5:54 am Taking Humpty Dumpty as reference I disagree that we see our true selves only when we are broken; It is rather: 'even if we are broken, our true selves remain'. Our consciousness, our identity deep inside remains.
That's an interesting perspective, and I can see how you might interpret the Humpty Dumpty metaphor in that way. It's true that our true selves remain intact, even when we face hardships and challenges. However, the process of breaking and rebuilding can also serve as a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.

By experiencing adversity, we are often forced to confront aspects of ourselves that we might not have been aware of previously. This can lead to a deeper understanding of our values, strengths, and resilience, ultimately shaping our true selves in a more profound way.

So, while our true selves remain even when we are broken, the experience of being broken can reveal new dimensions of our identity and enrich our understanding of ourselves. It's a reminder that we are more than just our circumstances, and that the essence of who we are transcends the challenges we face in life.
“There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers”

– William James
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Re: Does Humpty-Dumpty say that we see our true selves only when we are broke?

Post by Sushan »

Catalina Isabel wrote: April 14th, 2023, 4:35 am
Shondranika Ford wrote: February 1st, 2023, 8:50 pm I love this section in the book because we are pretty much shells, masks, and any covering you can think of. Once we get rid of the outer self, we can broadcast our inner self - the REAL you.
Yes, I totally agree with this. I think once we have seen our real selves, we can never be back together again. That is, back to how we were before. It's like all the lessons learnt, especially the difficult ones shape who we are now. We can never unlearn those.
I couldn't agree more. Experiencing the process of discovering our true selves, especially through difficult lessons, can be transformative. It often leads us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. Once we've gained that insight, it's nearly impossible to return to the way we were before.

This self-discovery journey can be both liberating and empowering. It allows us to embrace our authenticity, recognize our strengths, and accept our vulnerabilities. As we continue to grow and evolve, we become better equipped to face life's challenges and adapt to new situations. In a way, every experience, whether positive or negative, contributes to the ongoing evolution of our true selves.
“There is only one thing a philosopher can be relied upon to do, and that is to contradict other philosophers”

– William James
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