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As the ego cogito, subjectivity is the consciousness that represents something, relates this representation back to itself, and so gathers with itself.
Martin Heidegger
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote emphasizes the inherent connection between consciousness and self-awareness.

In this quote, Heidegger suggests that our consciousness is not merely passive; rather, it actively represents our experiences and reflects them back on itself. This interplay between representation and self-reflection is central to our understanding of being and existence, illustrating the intricate relationship between the subjective experience of the world and the ego's role in that experience.

Themes

ConsciousnessEgoSubjectivityRepresentationSelf-Awareness

In practice

Example use cases

In a lecture on existential philosophy, one might quote this to illustrate the depth of self-awareness.

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So long as we represent technology as an instrument, we remain held fast in the will to master it.
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Everyone is the other and no one is himself.
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The most thought-provoking thing in our thought-provoking time is that we are still not thinking.
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