Would You Know If You Lose Yourself?

“If a man has lost a leg or an eye, he knows he has lost a leg or an eye; but if he has lost a self—himself—he cannot know it, because he is no longer there to know it.” 
― Oliver Sacks, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales



I recently got acquainted with Dr. Oliver Sacks. Don't say 'wut?' now. But, it's true. When he died a few weeks ago, suddenly, I started seeing articles about him flooding my Facebook and Twitter timelines.

After reading only two articles about him, Oliver Sacks, Casting Light on the Interconnectedness of Life and Oliver Sacks, I became an instant fan.

For he did not only heal the body of the sick but he also tried to understand the man behind and even beyond the illness. If I met a physician like him today, for sure, I won't hesitate to entrust my life to him. He didn't write cases of illnesses, instead he wrote stories of patients.

Being a writer-physician, Dr. Sacks churned out several quotable quotes but what resonates with me is the one I shared above.

It makes me ask myself, yeah, would I know if I lose myself?

But as Dr. Sacks said, apparently not... then what a bliss it would be!


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11 comments

  1. Hmm..I like what he does. Writing the patient's stories. =) Really cool idea. =)

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  2. This is quite interesting. I haven't seen any posts on my FB feed about him or his death, but being the nerd that I am I'll google him and check out some of his quotes. I like the quote that you shared, btw!

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  3. Scary if we lose ourselves. Sometimes I think I'm lost and I forget my purpose. But I always try my best to find my way back.(:

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    1. Yes, good to hear that Daniel... There's always a way back. :)

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  4. Losing one's self is a terrible thing! It is best that we maintain a regular habit of spending time with God so we could have guidance in whatever season and situation that we are in.

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    1. Amen to this, Arge! God is always our protector and guidepost.

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  5. How unique... a doctor who writes stories! Most doctors stick to med stuff kasi.

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  6. One of a kind doctor. Will check out the links :)

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