Clinging on to the illusion of an unchanging self

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/jul/30/clinging-on-to-the-illusion-of-an-unchanging-self

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The assertion by Julian Baggini (A cartoon to help us find ourselves, 28 July) that “We are forever in flux, always in the process of growing out of what we once were into what we are to become next” is correct as it applies to our physical self but we seem to resist the truth of this in as much as it applies to our mental self. Our bodies are changing in front of our eyes but it seems by holding on to our view of the world (which is in constant flux) we can maintain the illusion of an unchanging self. For example politicians who demonstrate this in public life by stubbornly sticking with their beliefs are seen as “authentic”, displaying an unchanging self.Bulent AcarLondon

• Phillip Goodall writes of his “moral vertigo” when his continuing selfness is subject to philosophical questioning (Letters, 29 July). But by definition, he was telephoned by Maryam to check his identity. And even if you don’t know who you are, she does. On the other hand, had he not so eloquently expressed his existential alarm, she wouldn’t have phoned, and the waveform would have remained uncollapsed.Brian SmithBerlin