The narrative dimension of becoming oneself

Abstract

What makes a person a subject who both has a sense of self and makes sense of objects? This question is central to Bildung. In this process of self-determination, narration plays a key role. The process of Bildung, which I view as reflexive and aimed at the formation of the self, is closely linked with narration, as a fundamental aspect of human experience and understanding. The thesis on which I base this paper is that narration, especially also telling a person's life story, strengthens the sense of self and makes sense of objects. In my discussion, I clarify and justify this thesis.