self etymology

Etymology

The word "self" has its roots in the Proto-Indo-European root *swe-, which means "to breathe." This root is also the origin of the words "swollen," "sweat," and "swear."

Meaning

The self can be defined as the sum of an individual's thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It is the part of us that makes us who we are and that distinguishes us from others. The self is often thought of as being made up of two parts: the ego and the id. The ego is the conscious part of the self that interacts with the outside world. The id is the unconscious part of the self that contains our primal instincts and desires.

Origin

The concept of the self has been a topic of inquiry for philosophers and psychologists for centuries. The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates believed that the self was the ultimate source of knowledge. The Roman philosopher Seneca believed that the self was the only thing that was truly under our control. In the 17th century, the philosopher René Descartes famously stated, "I think, therefore I am." This statement has been interpreted as meaning that the self is the only thing that we can be certain of.

In the 20th century, the concept of the self was further developed by psychologists such as Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung. Freud believed that the self was composed of three parts: the id, the ego, and the superego. Jung believed that the self was a complex system that included both conscious and unconscious elements.

Today, the concept of the self is still a topic of debate among philosophers and psychologists. However, there is no doubt that the self is a fundamental part of human existence. It is the source of our identity, our values, and our goals. It is what makes us who we are.

self relate terms

  • idiom

    Etymology The word idiom comes from the Greek word idiōma meaning peculiar express

  • herself

    Etymology Origin and History The word herself is derived from the following Old En

  • self

    Etymology The word self has its roots in the Proto Indo European root swe which mean

  • himself

    Etymology The word himself is derived from the Middle English word him silf which i

  • independence

    Etymology The word independence is derived from the following Latin roots in nega

  • seldom

    Etymology Middle English selten from Old English seldan infrequent rare Cognate with

  • self sufficiency

    Etymology self adj from Old English self from Proto Germanic selbo compare Old Sa

  • automatic

    Automatic Etymology From Greek automatos meaning self acting From autos meaning s

  • autarky

    Etymology From Ancient Greek αὐτάρκεια autárkeia from αὐτός autós

  • automaton

    Etymology Auto From the Greek autós meaning self or spontaneous Maton From t

  • pique

    Etymology Latin pīca pīcus Proto Indo European peikos spotted bird Mea

  • mortal

    Etymology Latin mortalis meaning subject to death Proto Indo European mrtós mea

  • mania

    Etymology Greek mania meaning madness frenzy Meaning and Origin In its psych

  • person

    Etymology Latin persona meaning mask or character in a play Meaning An indiv