When we say the phrase “I am alive,” we are not simply referring to physical existence but expressing a deep awareness of an immutable essence that remains constant despite the passage of time.

The Immovable Core: Embracing the Eternal Self

When we say the phrase “I am alive,” we are not simply referring to physical existence but expressing a deep awareness of an immutable essence that remains constant despite the passage of time. This statement reminds us that the essence of one’s personality is more than a mutable body, memory, or emotions. It shows that within each of us lies an unchanging core that imparts meaning to all of our life experiences, regardless of the slightest shifts in mood or external manifestations.

At the heart of this perspective is the understanding that true personality is not defined by transient characteristics. Our consciousness possesses a unique quality—it can penetrate to the very essence of being and discern behind surface changes a profound constant that time cannot erase. Every manifestation of human life, be it thoughts, feelings, or actions, merely reflects different facets of the inner “I,” an enduring source of life energy. Thus, self-knowledge becomes not only the key to understanding our variability but also the means to unleash the immeasurable power hidden in the heart of existence.

In conclusion, the statement “I am alive” is not merely a factual declaration; it is a challenge toward the pursuit of self-knowledge that enables us to transcend superficial changes and immerse ourselves in the depth of our immutable essence. Recognizing this fundamental distinction between the temporal and the eternal helps each of us become the master of our true self, overcoming the constraints imposed by time and external circumstances.

What does it mean when a person declares “I am alive,” and how is this linked to the awareness of one’s own essence?

When a person declares “I am alive,” they are not merely noting the fact of physical existence but proclaiming something far deeper—the immediate awareness of an essence that remains unchanged despite shifting forms, qualities, and fleeting sensations. This assertion confirms that the true “I” is not confined to transient characteristics, whether they be the body, memory, or emotions, but represents a constant inner core of personality upon which all manifestations of life are built.

As stated in one source: “Every being is mutable, conditional, transient, yet ‘I am’ expresses not being, but the existent. ‘I am’ does not pertain to any being…” (source: link txt, page: 22). This emphasizes that the genuine “I” is not defined by shifting internal and external states but remains an enduring presence capable of transcending the ephemeral nature of everything else through awareness.

Moreover, the assertion “I am alive” can be understood as the realization that personality is not merely a collection of characteristics but the bearer of a deep, indivisible essence that does not vanish even if its expressions in thoughts, feelings, or actions change. As noted in another source: “And if I am loved for my judgments, for my memory, am I loved? No, for I can lose these qualities without losing myself. So where is that I if it is not in the body and not in the soul? I am the owner of everything that can be expressed, yet the ‘I’ itself is inexpressible…” (source: link txt, page: 21). This underlines that the true personality remains untouched even as its external attributes shift, and it is precisely this inner, inexpressible aspect that stands as the primary evidence of life.

Finally, the depth of the act of stating “I am alive” lies in the fact that self-knowledge is inextricably linked to the act of being itself. As noted in one philosophical reflection: “In ‘I’, the act of knowing and the object of knowing are one and the same…” (source: link txt, page: 2425). In other words, when a person asserts their life, they not only affirm the fact of existence but also actively experience and create their essence through the act of self-discovery.

Thus, the moment of declaring “I am alive” is not simply a statement of existence but a profound emphasis on the unchanging inner essence of personality. It demonstrates that self-awareness allows a person to transcend the mutable aspects of being and realize their true authenticity—the part that remains eternal and indivisible despite all external changes.

Supporting citation(s):
"Every being is mutable, conditional, transient, yet ‘I am’ expresses not being, but the existent. ‘I am’ does not pertain to any being, ‘I am’ is the same in either case..." (source: link txt, page: 22)

"And if I am loved for my judgments, for my memory, am I loved? No, for I can lose these qualities without losing myself. So where is that I if it is not in the body and not in the soul? I am the owner of everything that can be expressed, yet the ‘I’ itself is inexpressible..." (source: link txt, page: 21)

"In ‘I’, the act of knowing and the object of knowing are one and the same..." (source: link txt, page: 2425)