For several years I’ve had a theory or rather a “reality model” which I call Multiplicity of Self. This model developed as I came to recognize that there was one of me (one of each of us actually) living in the minds of everyone who knows us, and perhaps extends to anyone whose lives we’ve impacted directly or indirectly.
The idea is simply that each of us exists more so as an idea than even as a physical entity. If you don’t believe that? I feel it’s almost undeniable. Wether you fully agree or not, it’s a fact that I exist as an idea in my mind and if my mind didn’t function as it does, I wouldn’t exist as an idea. ”Would I exist at all?“ becomes the question. Well, the answer to me is that we exist in each others minds as ub tge nubds if ourselves.
So, not only do I exist in my mind, but there is an idealized Jonny Shaw living in the minds of everyone who knows me (If I assume that 300 people know me, then there are at least 300 “Jonny Shaws” wandering around in the minds of these people). Some of them know me very well, some barely at all, yet their idea of me is as real as an idea can be. Their opinions of me, very real as well. Whether they think I’m good or bad, competent or not to them, that is what and who I am. They’re idea of me, regardless of how that aligns to some universal truth or my ideas of self, are valid at least to them.
I’m not sure how this is directly useful but as an accurate model of our reality, it can help us to understand that the “me” that lives in another mind is just as real as the “me” living in my mind. Similarly, the “them” living in our mind is as real as the “them” they call “me” living in their minds! Bottom line is to respect this reality! If someone else thinks you’re GREAT, then you are! If they think you suck, well, hate to say it but… (at least within THEIR reality)
And, there is an objective reality where these things connect and that defines another truth, entirely. The combination where reality hits the road. Are we as good/bad as we think we are? Well, Yes and No, and Absolutely. The whole of reality may be that there is truth to every one of the multiplicity of ourselves that exist. Respecting this can be empowering and get us to factor that if someone doesn’t respect us for some reason, it is real, at least to them and to their version of us. Instead of ignoring it, it’s now something we’re empowered to address if it feels worthwhile.
And with that I hope all of the YOUs in all the minds out there are in a good space and having a great day. Especially the YOU living in your own mind. Take care of that you!!
