Does the [i:2b9e4fb65e]self[/i:2b9e4fb65e] exist?

What do you mean? And why do you say “expressing vs. clarifying”?

:?

Re: Expressing vs. Clarifying

[quote author=“PleaseStopMyBrain”]Does the self exist?

I think this is comparable with the existence of God. Does God exist? No. Because if He existed He would need another God to create Him. Something similar can be said about “self”. If, inside your brain, you had something like a “self”, than the self would have to have its own brain. So, no. I don’t think self exists. It is probably convenient for our brain to perceive reality through an illusion of a self.

Doug: “Expression vs. Clarifying” was an idea I’ve been pondering along with the “self”.  Due to my thought dyslexia I zigged instead of zagging.

Currently, in my mind the “self” is much like a road.  A road can be continuously constructed yet retains the experience of the journey.  Similar to a road, the self erodes leaving only bits and pieces that give value.  The self may be cells or electrical pulses that live and die. 

Here’s a question:  When is the comet tail no longer part of the comet?

Expression vs. Clarifying: This actually relates to the “self” question.

When does the “expression” of an idea turn into the “clarification” of an idea?  At what point does this transition lose value?

Simple answer:  YES

I see my mind as synonymous with self - merely the functioning or program of my brain.

Occam