Set a timer for 15 minutes and free write your response to Galen’s argument. Note specific moments in his essay as you respond. Some things to consider: Have you ever felt impeded by your “life story?” If so, how? Do you feel like it’s truthful or possible to perceive your self as a singular self or can you relate when Galen talks about possessing many selves?
When reading Galen’s argument about the idea of Narratives and a life story, I was generally confused as to where the argument was going. The points that were made were very interesting and made you think about what was going on inside his head. When he brought up the fact that “life simply never assumes a story-like shape for us. And neither, from a moral point of view, should it”, I didn’t really understand that he was honestly thinking about. When I read that I was thinking that when he says “Story-like” he’s talking about a cartoon or Disney movie stories. When he also talks about the idea that we have many selves, I couldn’t help but laugh. Many selves, like split personalities all trying to fit into one brain, to come up with ideas and make rational decisions? I personally don’t believe that I have other “selves” in my head. I think that we experience life and in turn, it turns into stories which will end in our life being one giant novel filled with little stories. I’ve felt like my life story has held me back in certain ways, but it’s also pushed me forward in a more positive way of thinking. Our life stories shouldn’t hinder us and make us feel compacted and that we must follow a sort of ‘blueprint’. For myself, all I have to follow is the blueprint. I may stray throughout my life, but I have no problem following it. Others may not feel the same way, like their life isn’t a story, but it’s up to them and their perception. Who am I to tell people they’re wrong, that they’re life is a story?
Wonderful. I enjoyed reading your reflection. I think it’s smart to note that Strawson’s definition of story might not match Beck’s definition of story.