What makes The Dichotomy of the Self different from most psychology books? It provides readers with a comprehensive overview of the different theories and approaches to the self, rather than focus on one lens or worldview. Further, Smiley does a great job of explaining the different dichotomies that exist within each of us, such as our ego and our true self, and how these two parts of our personality can often conflict with one another, built on the ideas of the insights of the best scholars of the field.
For example, Smiley refers to a number of thinkers in his chapter on nature vs nurture. Specifically, he cites Aristotle, Plato, Locke, and Rousseau. He notes that Aristotle believed that people are born with certain traits and that these traits are determined by their nature. Plato, on the other hand, believed that people are born with certain knowledge and that this knowledge is innate. Locke believed that people are born with a blank slate and that their experiences determine what they will become. Rousseau believed that people are born good but that society corrupts them.
Smiley then goes on to discuss how these thinkers’ views on nature vs nurture have influenced Western thought. He concludes by noting that the dichotomy of the self is a false one and that both nature and nurture play a role in shaping who we are.
One of my favorite chapters from the book was when Smiley discusses the importance of finding one’s identity.
In today’s society, there is so much pressure to conform to certain ideals and standards. However, this can often lead to people feeling lost and uncertain of who they are. I think it is essential for everyone to find their own unique identity, and I appreciated how this chapter encouraged readers to do just that. The book offers many helpful exercises and tips for exploring one’s own sense of self, and I found these to be immensely valuable. After working through the exercises in this chapter, I feel like I have a better understanding of who I am and what makes me special. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is seeking to develop a greater sense of self-awareness.
In his chapter on mimesis, Smiley examines the way that humans use imitation to create their own identities. He begins by observing that all human cultures make use of mimesis, or imitation, in some way. He then goes on to argue that mimesis is not simply a matter of copying others, but is actually a creative act that allows us to construct our own identities. According to Smiley, mimesis is a powerful tool that we can use to fashion ourselves into the people we want to be. It is through mimesis that we learn how to behave in socially appropriate ways, and it is also through mimesis that we develop our own individual sense of self. In conclusion, Smiley argues that mimesis is an essential part of what makes us human.
The True Self and the False Self
Smiley explores the concept of the true self. This is the part of us that is pure and untouched by the harsh realities of the world. It is our authentic selves, unadulterated by outside influences. Unfortunately, due to the pain and suffering that we experience in life, this true self often becomes hidden. In its place, we develop a false self—a persona that is based on everything we are not, but wish to be. This false self protects us from further hurt but also prevents us from achieving our full potential. Thus, we can see how mimesis leads to the creation of a false self, but such a self is no less essential to our identity than our true self, because it is the former that is our image to the world.
Dichotomies and the World
Smiley relates the idea of dichotomies to modern politics. He argues that there are two very different types of people in the world: those who seek power and those who seek knowledge. The former are often motivated by ego, while the latter are motivated by a desire to learn and grow.
Smiley believes that our world is currently being governed by those who seek power, and that this is causing a lot of problems.
He argues that we need more people in positions of power who are motivated by a desire to improve things for everyone, not just themselves. Worse, the world is ensnared in Girardian mimetic traps and get sucked into a cycle of comparison and competition that only leads to more chaos. The way out, he believes, is for everyone to investigate the truth for themselves and make their own decisions, rather than blindly following the crowd and imitate each other’s desires.
Smiley ultimately argues that the self is split between two competing impulses: the need for connection and the need for autonomy. This dichotomy plays out in our political lives, as we balance our desire for safety and security against our desire for freedom and liberty. He argues that these two needs are constantly at odds with each other, and that the only way to achieve a healthy political life is to find a way to strike a balance between them. It’s a complex and fascinating argument, and one that provides a lot of food for thought.
The Dichotomy of the Self is a thought-provoking book that challenges readers to consider the complex nature of the self. Smiley expertly weaves together Eastern and Western philosophies to create a unique perspective on the human condition. He also includes a range of personal anecdotes, which help to bring his ideas to life. The result is a book that is both erudite and accessible, and which has the power to change the way you think about yourself. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in exploring the nature of the self.