In a world full of danger, to be a potentially seeable object is to be constantly exposed to danger. Self-consciousness, then, may be the apprehensive awareness of oneself as potentially exposed to danger by the simple fact of being visible to others. The obvious defence against such a danger is to make oneself invisible in one way or another.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the concept of self-consciousness and how it may arise from the fear of being exposed to danger by simply being visible to others. It suggests that in a world filled with potential risks, the awareness of being seen by others may lead to apprehension and the desire to make oneself invisible in some way as a defense mechanism against perceived danger.
Who said the quote?
The quote “In a world full of danger, to be a potentially seeable object is to be constantly exposed to danger. Self-consciousness, then, may be the apprehensive awareness of oneself as potentially exposed to danger by the simple fact of being visible to others. The obvious defence against such a danger is to make oneself invisible in one way or another.” was said in the book The Divided Self (Summary) by Ronald D. Laing. Ronald D. Laing was a Scottish psychiatrist and philosopher who was known for his unconventional and controversial approach to the treatment of mental illness.
* The editor of this interpretation made every effort to maintain information accuracy. This includes the source and any key ideas or meanings conveyed in it.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.