I have always been fascinated by things that come in layers. Beautiful works of art with layers of colours and images that make you step closer and look deeply are at the top of my list. So are trees that have layers of bark, each revealing a different colour or texture underneath. Or slate, with subtle differences in colour in each layer, from gun metal grey, to purple, to russet.
Needless to say, I am very excited by the new theories I am reading about what it means to be a person; that the self is not a single, unchanging thing.
New thinking talks about the multiplicity of the self. So, if I understand the theorists, it means that I have lots of selves, all layered together, some converging, others not. I have past selves and present selves; selves that I choose depending on the situation; selves that I like and those that I don't; future selves; selves that I hope for; selves I want to forget. All of my selves are constantly in relationship with each other and the world. The world and the selves of others all touch my selves, affecting them, changing them, teaching them. We are infinitely complex.
But this is the bit that is both scary and gives me hope. If I have so many selves, why don't I fly apart? How do I know who "I" am? The theorists aren't too sure either. None of the ones I have been reading have been able to explain, except to say, "Maybe it's the soul", or some such vagueness. What does it mean to have a "strong sense of self"? I am reminded of a scene in "Witches Abroad" by Terry Pratchett. Granny Weatherwax and her sister are trapped in a magical hall of mirrors that plays tricks on your mind. The only way to get out, is to know which you is you. Her sister starts running, looking for herself. She gets lost for all eternity. Granny Weatherwax looks down at her body and knows exactly. She steps out immediately. What did she know? What do we all know?