The self is an illusion created by our minds from "summary" of Waking Up by Sam Harris
The sense of being a self — the feeling that there is a thinker living inside your head, a subject in the middle of experience — is an illusion. This is not to say that the self does not exist, but that it does not exist in the way we typically think it does. It is a construction of the mind, a story we tell ourselves about who we are. Our sense of self is created by a continuous stream of thoughts, emotions, and sensory experiences. It is a narrative that our minds construct based on past memories, future aspirations, and present perceptions. But if we look closely, we can see that this sense of self is constantly changing, never fixed or solid. When we pay attention to our experience in the present moment, we can see that there is no self to be found. There is only the raw data of our senses — sights, sounds, sensations — arising and passing away. The self is like a mirage in the desert, a trick of the light that disappears upon closer inspection. The illusion of self is so convincing that we rarely question it. We take for granted that there is a "me" inside our heads, experiencing the world from a unique vantage point. But when we investigate this feeling of self, we find that it is nothing more than a mental construct, a story we tell ourselves to make sense of our lives. This insight can be liberating. When we see through the illusion of self, we are freed from the burden of constantly trying to protect and promote this imaginary entity. We can let go of the need to bolster our self-esteem, defend our reputation, or cling to our beliefs. We can simply be present, open, and curious about the unfolding of experience. In the absence of a fixed self, we can find a deeper sense of connection with others and with the world around us. We can see that we are not separate, isolated individuals, but interconnected beings sharing a common humanity. And we can approach life with a sense of humility, wonder, and gratitude for the mystery of existence.
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