Personhood Relates to Self and Identity - Essay Example

As a human being, I am aware of myself who, I believe does not only exist but live for a purpose. Subjectively, I experience my personhood by existing and pursuing the purposes of my existence such as communicating with other people, working hard, and acquiring things that make life better. As self-awareness, personhood is also subjectively manifested in one’s actions. For instance, I know the difference between good and evil and I choose and decide on what I like to become. I am aware that I am a human being who is different from an animal therefore I choose to act accordingly in every circumstance. I know that I have my rights which I can enjoy as an individual in contrast to an animal that can be caged and whose fate can be decided by its owners. Animals, like human beings, eat and move around however, they cannot think for their selves to improve their situations, unlike men. Animals perhaps know that they exist but they do not understand their rights. For example, abused animals do not gather together and protest against their abusers because they are not aware that they have such rights. When they are not treated well, they cannot do anything to improve their situations. Therefore, they are not considered persons. On the contrary, such awareness provides me with the quality of personhood and makes me take action to improve my situation. Unlike animals, I can protest against those who abuse me.

Another aspect of personhood is self-concept. This aspect manifests personhood subjectively and objectively as well. Maintaining the perception that a human being has individual rights, makes each person respect one another. Philosophies such as the golden rule are composed because of self-concept. In my experience as a mental health nurse, I treat my patients with utmost care and understanding because I see myself as a good person. Nicely treating other people, whether they treat me well or not, is the subjective manifestation of the person that I am. Moreover, as an individual who was able to mobilize, by traveling from my country to England for me to improve my socioeconomic status, I perceive myself as a determined, hard-working, persistent individual who thrives even in adversities. This is the reason why I always think positively and find ways how to improve my life. I do not get contented with the little achievements I get but I strive to reach more goals. Self-concept moreover, is not limited to the image that one has of himself. Instead, it also includes self-awareness and other aspects of personhood.

Objectively, I know that I have rights such as the pursuit of happiness. However, my abilities do not end in knowing about my privileges. When I want to achieve something which I believe and consider an instrument to give me happiness, I depend on my self-image to decide if I am capable of taking the necessary steps to achieve my goals. I understand that I can employ my observable characteristics, skills, and attitudes in attaining the source/s of my happiness. My self-awareness and concept played a great role in my status nowadays. I realize that I can improve my lifestyle by finding better-paying jobs in other countries. Read More