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Full Idea
The mind does not know itself, except in so far as it perceives the ideas of the modifications of the body.
Gist of Idea
The mind only knows itself by means of ideas of the modification of the body
Source
Baruch de Spinoza (The Ethics [1675], II Pr 29)
Book Ref
Spinoza,Benedict de: 'Ethics, Improvement of Understanding, Letters', ed/tr. Elwes,R [Dover 1955], p.106
A Reaction
This is reminiscent of Hume's 'bundle of perceptions' report of introspection. It is in tune with a modern 'animalist' view of a person, and with a view of the mind as a map of the body and its environs. Is he a sceptic about personal identity?