On Self-Knowledge and Metaphor

Fragments from imaginary dialogues

“What is your Center?”

“My Heart.”

“‘Heart’ is a metaphoric model, which can take many forms. One of them for instance is based on the Heart/Head dichotomy: 

Heart as the seat of feelings
Head as the seat of thoughts

This is a prevalent cultural artifact.

The path to the truth is a labor of the heart, not the head. Make your heart your primary guide! Not your mind. Knowing yourself will lead to the knowledge of God. (Shafak Elif, The Forty Rules of Love)

Part of the process of self-knowledge is getting clear on what models you’re using to represent reality, and finding your own answers.

Having a ‘Center’ is another metaphoric model. A tool for inner exploration. Don’t rush the answer. 

Explore.”

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