--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That was with me for years--feeling I…" description: "\"“That was with me for years--feeling I wasn't myself. And I do think I wasn't my real self then. Of course, I'm not sure there is such a thing as a rea..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/ryu-murakami-8219_identity_that-was-with-me-for-years-feeling-i-was_2533967.jpg" --- # That was with me for years--feeling I wasn't myself. And I… ![“That was with me for years--feeling I wasn't myself. And I do think I wasn't my real self then. Of course, I'm not sure there is such a thing as a real self. You could ransack your innards looking for the real you and never find it--slice yourself open and all you'll find is blood and muscle and…” quote by Ryū Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/ryu-murakami-8219_identity_that-was-with-me-for-years-feeling-i-was_2533967.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/ryu-murakami-8219_identity_that-was-with-me-for-years-feeling-i-was_2533967.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8e4/ryu-murakami-8219_identity_that-was-with-me-for-years-feeling-i-was_2533967.jpg) > ““That was with me for years--feeling I wasn't myself. And I do think I wasn't my real self then. Of course, I'm not sure there is such a thing as a real self. You could ransack your innards looking for the real you and never find it--slice yourself open and all you'll find is blood and muscle and bone.”” [Ryū Murakami](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryu-murakami/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. He questions the existence of a fixed “real self,” suggesting identity is fragmented and elusive **In simple terms:** The self may be a collection of parts, not a single core Key Takeaway Accept fluidity of identity and explore inner complexity Themes philosophy self‑identity existentialism Mood reflective introspective Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - therapy - creative writing - mindfulness - self‑inquiry Key Concepts Psychology human nature Questions to Reflect On - What defines your sense of self? - Can you find coherence without a fixed core? A Different Perspective May lead to nihilism or paralysis of action ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Feeling Wasn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/feeling-wasn-678664/) [Identity](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/identity/) [Real self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/real-self/) [Self](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self/) [Thing Real](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thing-real-306148/) [Years Feeling](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/years-feeling-366681/) ## Related quotes > [“Of course, I'm not sure there is such a thing as a real self. 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