If you know you are yourself, you know that you are not somebody else; but do you know that you are yourself?
 George MacDonald, Lilith (1895). copy citation

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Author George MacDonald
Source Lilith
Topic knowledge self
Date 1895
Language English
Reference
Note
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1640/1640-h/1640-h.htm

Context

“«You have the best of rights,» I replied, «in the fact that you CAN do so!»
«Well answered!» he rejoined. «Tell me, then, who you are—if you happen to know.»
«How should I help knowing? I am myself, and must know!»
«If you know you are yourself, you know that you are not somebody else; but do you know that you are yourself? Are you sure you are not your own father?—or, excuse me, your own fool?—Who are you, pray?»
I became at once aware that I could give him no notion of who I was. Indeed, who was I? It would be no answer to say I was who!” source

Meaning and analysis

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