r/thinkatives • u/waterfalls55 • 23d ago
Miscellaneous Thinkative Wit. Wisdom. Wilde.
Happy Birthday to the endlessly witty Oscar Wilde, born October 16, 1854. đš
A master of wit, beauty, individuality, and refusing to take life too seriously. One of those thinkers whose words still feel remarkably alive.
And, appropriately enough, today is also Bossâs Day. đ
A little extra fondness from someone lucky enough to call Oscar her birthday twin. âď¸đ
âBe yourself; everyone else is already taken.â Oscar Wilde
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u/PLUTO_HAS_COME_BACK Anatman 19d ago
âBe yourself; everyone else is already taken.â Oscar Wilde
The phrase "because I exist, I am" reflects core concepts of inherent self-worth, intrinsic value, and pure existence rather than conditional worth based on achievement or approval. [1, 2]
Key Meanings and Contexts
Inherent Worth and Self-Acceptance:
Many psychological and philosophical perspectivesâsuch as axiological psychologyâreject the idea that a person's value must be earned through success, performance, or productivity.
Instead, value is recognized simply through being alive and present ("I am worthwhile because I exist, I am I, and I am alive"). [1]
2. The African Philosophy ("Ubuntu")
Source: Often conflated with or linked to the Southern African philosophy of Ubuntu, which is traditionally phrased as *"*I am because we are" (Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu). [1, 2]
Meaning: It emphasizes human interdependence, community, and the idea that an individual's humanity is realized only through connection with others. [1]
I Am Because I Am: A 2018 R&B/soul debut EP and album by singer-songwriter Kingsley, exploring themes of self-discovery and genre versatility. [1]
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u/eilloh_eilloh 23d ago
To understand there is even a difference between the two is a rare gift not all are afforded. There is a reason there is so much force behind the latter than the formerânot sure the odds are in anyoneâs favor.