A Simple Path to Well-Being

The Conflict Within Perception

Ordinary perception is divided into two. The German philosopher Fichte describes this division as between the Ich (I) and Nicht-Ich (not I). This “I” part of the perception includes all of our ideas about who we are, who other people are, and how the world is supposed to be. The “not I” is perceived as the outside world which tends to be seen as in opposition. In fact, the sense of “I” can only exist by differentiating itself from the “not I”  There is a conflict inherent in this way of perceiving as the I tries to dominate, escape, or resist the not-I. Liberation from this conflict arises by recognizing that the division in perception is a delusion.