Single Idea 4527

[catalogued under 16. Persons / E. Rejecting the Self / 4. Denial of the Self]

Full Idea

The assumption of one single subject is perhaps unnecessary; perhaps we are a multiplicity of subjects, whose interaction and struggle is the basis of our thought and consciousness, an aristocracy of 'cells' in which dominion resides equally.

Gist of Idea

Perhaps we are not single subjects, but a multiplicity of 'cells', interacting to create thought

Source

Friedrich Nietzsche (The Will to Power (notebooks) [1888], §490)

Book Reference

Nietzsche,Friedrich: 'The Will to Power', ed/tr. Kaufmann,W /Hollingdate,R [Vintage 1968], p.270


A Reaction

A nice combination of Humean scepticism, and an anticipation of the modularity of mind. Was Nietzsche thinking about evolution? It goes with his doubts about reason (if we are run by a committee).