This quote suggests that human beings, as social creatures, are constantly interacting with the world around them, with their thoughts, feelings, and actions influenced by their relationships with others. It implies that we are not isolated beings, but rather, we exist within and are shaped by our social context. We live ‘outside ourselves’ in the sense that we are always part of a larger social fabric, and our identities are not just self-contained, but are also formed by our connections and interactions with others.
In today’s world, this idea is more relevant than ever. With the advent of technology and social media, we are more connected than ever before. We are constantly interacting with others, whether it’s through social media, texting, or video calls. These interactions shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions. For example, social media can influence our self-esteem, self-image, and even our mental health. We may feel pressure to present a certain image of ourselves online, or we may compare ourselves to others, which can impact our self-esteem.
Moreover, in a globalized world, we are not just interacting with people in our immediate surroundings, but also with people from different cultures and backgrounds. This can broaden our perspectives and enrich our understanding of the world.
In terms of personal development, understanding that we live ‘outside ourselves’ can help us become more self-aware. It can help us understand how our social interactions shape our thoughts, feelings, and actions, and how they influence our self-image and self-esteem. This awareness can help us navigate our social interactions more effectively, and can also help us make more conscious choices about who we want to be and how we want to interact with the world. It can also encourage us to seek out positive and enriching social interactions that contribute to our personal growth.
