--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The neural basis for the self, as I see…" description: "\"“The neural basis for the self, as I see it, resides with the continuous reactivation of at least two sets of representations. One set concerns represe..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/ant-nio-r-dam-sio-40559_autobiographical_the-neural-basis-for-the-self-as-i-see-i_1580995.jpg" --- # The neural basis for the self, as I see it, resides with… ![“The neural basis for the self, as I see it, resides with the continuous reactivation of at least two sets of representations. One set concerns representations of key events in an individual's autobiography, on the basis of which a notion of identity can be reconstructed repeatedly, by partial…” quote by António R. Damásio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/ant-nio-r-dam-sio-40559_autobiographical_the-neural-basis-for-the-self-as-i-see-i_1580995.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/ant-nio-r-dam-sio-40559_autobiographical_the-neural-basis-for-the-self-as-i-see-i_1580995.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/db0/ant-nio-r-dam-sio-40559_autobiographical_the-neural-basis-for-the-self-as-i-see-i_1580995.jpg) > ““The neural basis for the self, as I see it, resides with the continuous reactivation of at least two sets of representations. One set concerns representations of key events in an individual's autobiography, on the basis of which a notion of identity can be reconstructed repeatedly, by partial activation in topologically organized sensory maps. ... In brief, the endless reactivation of updated images about our identity (a combination of memories of the past and of the planned future) constitutes a sizable part of the state of self as I understand it. The second set of representations underlying the neural self consists of the primordial representations of an individual's body ... Of necessity, this encompasses background body states and emotional states. The collective representation of the body constitute the basis for a "concept" of self, much as a collection of representations of shape, size, color, texture, and taste can constitute the basis for the concept of orange.”” [António R. Damásio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ant-nio-r-dam-sio/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The self is built from continuously reactivating memories of past events and future plans, plus bodily and emotional states, forming a mental concept of identity **In simple terms:** Identity arises from ongoing memory and body state activation Key Takeaway Reflect on how memories and bodily feelings shape your sense of self Themes neuroscience identity memory embodiment psychology Mood introspective thoughtful analytical Type philosophical scientific educational When to use this quote - therapy - self‑reflection - personal development - mindfulness practice Key Concepts self‑representation autobiographical memory body schema Questions to Reflect On - How do past memories and future goals interact in your self‑concept? - What role does bodily awareness play in your identity? A Different Perspective Neural basis is complex and not fully understood; cultural influences also shape identity ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Autobiographical](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/autobiographical/) [Body](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/body/) [Connection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/connection/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Memories Of The Past](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/memories-of-the-past/) [Mind](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind/) [Mind body connection](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mind-body-connection/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) ## Related quotes > [“Exactly. 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Damásio quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ant-nio-r-dam-sio/) ## More Autobiographical quotes > [“I am not and autobiographical writer--one can't be without a solid and explicable self--and read all autobiographical writers with the same curiosity. What kind…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/yiyun-li/i-am-not-and-autobiographical-writer-one-can-t-be-without-a-solid-and/) [Yiyun Li](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/yiyun-li/) > [I'm always saying that my books are not autobiographical because they're not. I can't choose any one scene and say, 'Oh, this is exactly…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cecily-von-ziegesar/i-m-always-saying-that-my-books-are-not-autobiographical-because-they/) [Cecily von Ziegesar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cecily-von-ziegesar/) > [Race as a subject only comes about because of what I look like. 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In order for it to succeed, you have…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nick-flynn/memoir-is-actually-the-most-egoless-genre-even-though-it-might-seem/) [Nick Flynn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nick-flynn/) > [I'm not an autobiographical writer, but I am a writer who deals with human emotion on all levels.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-m-not-an-autobiographical-writer-but-i-am-a-writer-who-deals-with/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [“is a little remarkable, that—though disinclined to talk overmuch of myself and my affairs at the fireside, and to my personal friends—an autobiographical impulse…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nathaniel-hawthorne/is-a-little-remarkable-that-though-disinclined-to-talk-overmuch-of/) [Nathaniel Hawthorne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nathaniel-hawthorne/) > [There certainly is no secret in that there are plenty of people who don't like plenty of my movies. 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