Hey, you know when people say "They're not themselves when they're hungry/tired/drunk" or "It's just the medicine/alcohol/Tourette's talking" or something along those lines. Well it got me thinking; who are You, can you ever be... not You, and if so why not?
I think that most people would class someone as being themselves on a normal day when they've had plenty of sleep, a good meal and are not under the influence of any questionable plant matter. However, one could argue that when, for example, drunk, people are more themselves than anyone else; you could say their true personalities are showing through without the restraints we have gained from society, and the instinct that mother will give us a nasty slap. However, as it was once said:
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
[small]Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore[/small]
Sure, Dumbledore isn't a real person, but the point I think is very well put. Anyone has the ability to say and do exactly what they are thinking, but is it perhaps what we choose not to do that defines our character? If so, in a situation when choosing not to do is much more difficult, does it make you any less of yourself?
So what do you think makes you who you are? Do you think outside influences (or even inside ones) can make you into a person who isn't you? Or do you think that you can never be anyone but "you" and the entire prospect is just a load of tripe?
I think that most people would class someone as being themselves on a normal day when they've had plenty of sleep, a good meal and are not under the influence of any questionable plant matter. However, one could argue that when, for example, drunk, people are more themselves than anyone else; you could say their true personalities are showing through without the restraints we have gained from society, and the instinct that mother will give us a nasty slap. However, as it was once said:
"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."
[small]Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore[/small]
Sure, Dumbledore isn't a real person, but the point I think is very well put. Anyone has the ability to say and do exactly what they are thinking, but is it perhaps what we choose not to do that defines our character? If so, in a situation when choosing not to do is much more difficult, does it make you any less of yourself?
So what do you think makes you who you are? Do you think outside influences (or even inside ones) can make you into a person who isn't you? Or do you think that you can never be anyone but "you" and the entire prospect is just a load of tripe?
