Chapter VII

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading And in this case we find existence to be a perpetual flow of transition.

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

come into existence; take on form or shape

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

marked by assurance; exhibiting confidence

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

French philosopher who proposed elan vital as the cause of evolution and development (1859-1941)

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

an occurrence of something

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

a state at a particular time

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

carefully weighed

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

of a function or curve; possessing one or more discontinuities

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

the act of examining something closely (as for mistakes)

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

the state or fact of existing

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

happening or arising or located outside or beyond some limits or especially surface

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading And in this case we find existence to be a perpetual flow of transition.

the motion characteristic of fluids (liquids or gases)

From this reading And in this case we find existence to be a perpetual flow of transition.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

happening or arising or located within some limits or especially surface

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

spontaneously derived from or prompted by a natural tendency

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

used to form the superlative

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

in an essential manner

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

plural of “notion” — a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

and nothing more

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

most desirable possible under a restriction expressed or implied

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

have ownership or possession of

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

the representation of what is perceived; basic component in the formation of a concept

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

being complete of its kind and without defect or blemish

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

continuing forever or indefinitely

From this reading And in this case we find existence to be a perpetual flow of transition.

showing intellectual penetration or emotional depth

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

all of your experiences that determine how things appear to you

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

a calm, lengthy, intent consideration

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

plural of “regard” — (usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

a small part of something intended as representative of the whole

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

your consciousness of your own identity

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

plural of “serve” — (sports) a stroke that puts the ball in play

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

the vital principle or animating force within living things

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

concerned with or comprehending only what is apparent or obvious; not deep or penetrating emotionally or intellectually

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

plural of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading And in this case we find existence to be a perpetual flow of transition.

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading It is only now and then that motives arise which turn the attention to the self as an object, like others, for examination.

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading That we think of our states as distinct from each other is due to the fact that reflection on one’s own existence is, unlike the flow of that existence itself, necessarily discontinuous.

without question

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading “The existence of which we are most assured and which we know best is unquestionably our own, for of every other object we have notions which may be considered external and superficial, whereas, of ourselves, our perception is internal and profound.”[118] It is this perfect or optimal relation of identity or inwardness--which one bears to oneself--that is the condition of true (_i. e._ intuitive) knowledge.

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.

in the company of; together with

From this reading MIND AND MATTER, SPIRIT AND BODY Bergson regards knowledge of oneself as the optimal case of knowing; oneself, he thinks, is the sample of reality which best serves for an acquaintance with the nature of reality in general.