---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Though the 'Thou' is not an 'It', it is…"
description: "\"“Though the 'Thou' is not an 'It', it is also not \"another 'I'\". He who treats a person as \"another 'I'\" does not really see that person but only a pro..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cd4/mauric-friedman-261469_psychology_though-the-thou-is-not-an-it-it-is-also_2279264.jpg"
---

#  Though the 'Thou' is not an 'It', it is also not "another…

![“Though the 'Thou' is not an 'It', it is also not &quot;another 'I'&quot;. He who treats a person as &quot;another 'I'&quot; does not really see that person but only a projected image of himself. Such a relation, despite the warmest &quot;personal&quot; feeling is really 'I'-'It'.” quote by Mauric Friedman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cd4/mauric-friedman-261469_psychology_though-the-thou-is-not-an-it-it-is-also_2279264.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cd4/mauric-friedman-261469_psychology_though-the-thou-is-not-an-it-it-is-also_2279264.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cd4/mauric-friedman-261469_psychology_though-the-thou-is-not-an-it-it-is-also_2279264.jpg)

> ““Though the 'Thou' is not an 'It', it is also not "another 'I'". He who treats a person as "another 'I'" does not really see that person but only a projected image of himself. Such a relation, despite the warmest "personal" feeling is really 'I'-'It'.””

Mauric Friedman

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Treating others as extensions of oneself obscures their true identity, reducing them to objects.

**In simple terms:** Seeing others as objects hides their humanity.

Key Takeaway

Recognize others as independent beings.

Themes

identity perception philosophy interpersonal relations human dignity

Mood

thoughtful critical

Type

Psychology:1 Relation:1 Self:0 Thou:0 Personal Feeling:0 Really Person:1 Relation Despite:0

When to use this quote

- therapy sessions
- ethical training
- personal reflection
- conflict resolution
- leadership development

Key Concepts

objectification I-It relation self-other distinction

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you ever see yourself in others?
- How does this view affect empathy?

A Different Perspective

May overlook genuine connection in trying to avoid objectification.

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[Psychology](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/psychology/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/)

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