Self (philosophy)
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In philosophy, the self is the idea of a unified being which is the source of an idiosyncratic consciousness. Moreover, this self is the agent responsible for the thoughts and actions of an individual to which they are ascribed. It is something which endures through time; thus, the thoughts and actions at different moments of time may pertain to the same self.
To another person, the self of one individual is exhibited in the conduct and discourse of that individual. Therefore, the self of another individual can only be inferred indirectly from something emanating from that individual.
The particular characterstics of the self determines its identity.
The concept of the self has been disputed by some prominent philosophers. The Buddha in particular disagreed with the concept of an enduring self.
Many quotations assert that to truly know oneself is the most difficult thing to achieve.