MATERIAL SELF

INTRODUCTION
- Belk (1988) stated that “we regard our possessions as parts of ourselves. We are what we have
and what we possess.” There is a direct link between self-identity with what we have and
possess. Our wanting to have and possess has a connection with another aspect of the self, the
material self.
WHAT IS MATERIAL SELF
- William James defined the material self as those things, places, or even persons that have the
label "mine."
- A Harvard psychologist in the late nineteenth century, William James, wrote in his book, The
Principles of Psychology in 1890 that understanding the self can be examined through its
different components.
James described these components as:
✓ Its constituents
✓ The feelings and emotions they arouse – self-feelings;
✓ The actions to which they prompt – self-seeking and self-preservation.

The constituents of self are composed of the material self, the social self, the spiritual self and the pure
ego. (Trentmann 2016; Green 1997).

The material self, according to James primarily is about our bodies, clothes, immediate family and home.
We are deeply affected by these things because we have put much investment of our self to them.

What is Shopping?
- Shopping is the act of a consumer browsing the products or services offered by one or more
merchants with the intention of making a purchase.
What is Consuming?
- The act of using, utilizing, or absorbing resources, goods, or services is referred to as
consuming.
What is Materialism?
- A tendency to consider material possessions and physical comfort as more important than
spiritual values.
What is Psychological Ownership?
- It is our psychological ownership of things we own, which we evoke emotion, that makes our
material self, not the physical ownership

MATERIAL SELF
 The innermost part of our material self is our body. Intentionally, we are investing in our body.
We are directly attached to this commodity that we cannot live without. We strive hard to make
sure that this body functions well and good. Any ailment or disorder directly affects us. We do
have certain preferential attachment or intimate closeness to certain body parts because of its
value to us.

- There were people who get their certain body parts insured. Celebrities, like Mariah Carey who
was reported to have placed a huge amount for the insurance of her vocal cords and legs
(Sukman 2016).
  Next to our body are the clothes we use. Influenced by the “Philosophy of Dress” by Herman
Lotze, James believed that clothing is an essential part of the material self. Lotze in his book,
Microcosmus, stipulates that “any time we bring an object into the surface of our body, we
invest that object into the consciousness of our personal existence taking in tis contours to be
our own and making it part of the self.” (Watson 2014). The fabric and style of the clothes we
wear bring sensations to the body to which directly affect our attitudes and behavior. Thus,
clothes are placed in the second hierarchy of material self. Clothing is a form of self-expression.
We choose and wear clothes that reflect our self (Watson 2014).

 Third in the hierarchy is our immediate family. Our parents and siblings hold another great
important part of our self. What they do or become affect us. When an immediate family
member dies, part of our self dies, too. When their lives are in success, we feel their victories as
if we are the one holding the trophy. In their failures, we are put to shame or guilt. When they
are in disadvantage situation, there is an urgent urge to help like a voluntary instinct of saving
one’s self from danger. We place huge investment in our immediate family when we see them
as the nearest replica of our self.

 The fourth component of material self is our home. Home is where our heart is. It is the earliest
nest of our selfhood. Our experiences inside the home were recorded and marked on particular
parts and things in our home. There was an old cliché about rooms: “if only walls can speak.”
The home thus is an extension of self, because in it, we can directly connect our self.

- Having investment of self to things, made us attached to those things. The more investment of
self-given to the particular thing, the more we identify ourselves to it. We also tended to collect
and possess properties. The collections in different degree of investment of self, becomes part
of the self. As James (1890) described self: “a man’s self is the sum total of all what he CAN call
his.” Possessions then become a part or an extension of the self.

Consumer Culture
- The concept of consumer culture is where our values, attitudes, behaviors, and activities are
defined by our ability to consume goods and services.
- It shows the power to determine the parameters within which individuals of a consumer society
can live their everyday lives.
Advertising / Mass Media
 ADVERTISEMENT - it is the act of promoting/encouraging people to buy commercial
goods and services based on their wants and needs.
 MASS MEDIA - it is the platform used to advertise products and services.
HOW IS ADVERTISING AND MASS MEDIA RELATED TO EACH OTHER?
- Mass media in the industry of consumerism plays a significant role as it shapes and greatly
influences people's purchasing behaviour.

MONEY’S INFLUENCE
SOCIAL AND BUSINESS VALUE
- Heyman and Ariely, Effort for Payment: A Tale of Two markets. Heyman and Arieyly’s
research hypothesizes that the relationship between compensation level and the effort
will be different in social versus money markets / motivations.
 - It documented a higher level of predicted compliance when a low level of candy was
offered compared to when low monetary payment was offered.
SELF SUFFICIENCY & SERVICE
- People who are more mindful of their money typically are more self-sufficient.
- When given a difficult and impossible task to be accomplished alone, people who were
more focused on money seemed to be the most intent to get the job done alone.
- Evident in research experiment entitled, Influence of Money on Human Behavior
SELF-VIEW
- august 2013 issue of the Journal of Personality and social Psychology discovered “class
essentialism”
 Class essentialism is the belief that the differences between classes, like poor or
rich, are based upon genetics, rather than circumstance.
- The results found that the wealthiest respondents were more likely to have a greater or
deeper sense of class essentialism.
ETHICS
- In a study conducted by Piff et al., They noted that those who perceived themselves to
be in a higher social class were the most likely to be more narcissistic and feel more
entitled.
- Piff et al., found that people of higher social classes were more likely to behave
unethically.
- People of higher social classes exhibited a behavior called, “self-interest maximization”.
ADDICTION
- Many if not all conditions begin because a person gets hooked by the positive response
that they get from a certain type of behavior.
- This type of addiction is called “behavioral or process addiction” where a compulsive
behavior is not motivated by dependency on an addictive substance but rather a
process that leads to a seemingly positive outcome.

PROBLEMS WITH CONSUMERISM

 Unsustainable - A perfect example would be a concept called Fast fashion.
 Intrusive / Manipulative - A perfect example would be a concept called Fast
fashion.
 Impacts in Decisions - We are greatly influenced by what we consume or what
we see within our daily lives.
HOW TO AVOID THESE PROBLEMS
 Self-Reflect - Identify what your needs and your wants are.
 Self-Discipline - Don't buy things that will put your financial stability on the bad side.

We are What We Have

- Russel Belk (1988) posits that “…we regard our possessions as part of ourselves. We are
what we have and what we possess.” The identification of the self to things started in
our infancy stage when we make a distinction among self and environment and others
who may desire our possessions.
 - As we grow older, putting importance to material possession decreases. However,
material possession gains higher value in our lifetime if we use material possession to
find happiness, associate these things with significant events, accomplishments, and
people in our lives. There are even times, when material possession of a person that is
closely identified to the person, gains acknowledgment with high regard even if the
person already passed away.
- Examples of these are the chair in the dining room on which the person is always
seated, the chair will be the constant reminder of the person seated there; a well-loved
and kept vehicle of the person, which some of the bereaved family members have a
difficulty to sell or let go of because that vehicle is very much identified with the owner
who passed away; the favorite pet or book, among others that the owner placed a high
value, these favorite things are symbols of the owner.

PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

Personality
 Derived from the Latin word ‘Persona’ meaning ‘mask’
 It is who we are.
 Our personalities determine how we act and react, as well as how we interact with and
respond to the world.
 The relatively stable feelings, thoughts, and behavioral patterns a person has.
What is Personality Development?
 It is a process of developing and enhancing one's personality.
 It helps an individual to gain confidence and high self-esteem.

Determinants of Personality
1. Heredity - It refers to characteristics that are determined after a person is born.
- A person's physical characteristics, beauty, body type, complexion, and body
weight are determined by the biological composition of their parents.
2. Environment - The environment to which an individual is subjected during his growing
years plays an important role in determining his/her personality.
- The varied cultures in which we are brought up and our family
backgrounds have a crucial role in shaping our personalities.
3. Situation - A person's personality is also influenced by their environment at that
particular moment.
- When someone’s behavior is affected by their current situations or problems,
they will behave differently

Importance of Personality Development

1. Personality development grooms an individual and helps him make a mark of his/her
own.
- Individuals need to have a style of their own for others to follow them. Do not blindly
copy others. You need to set an example for people around.
2. Personality development goes a long way in reducing stress and conflicts.
 - It encourages individuals to look at the brighter sides of life. Face even the worst
situations with a smile.
3. Personality development helps you develop a positive attitude in life.
- An individual with a negative attitude finds a problem in every situation. Rather than
cribbing and criticizing people around, analyze the whole situation and try to find an
appropriate solution for the same.

Personality Development Tips

 Smile a lot
 Think positive
 Dress Sensibly
 An individual who is well dressed is respected and liked by all.
 Be soft-spoken
 Leave your ego behind
 Avoid Backbiting
 Help others
 Confidence
 A Patient listener

Importance of Character in Personality Development

 Character refers to the sum of an individual's qualities and characteristics which
differentiate him/her from others.
 An individual's character is actually an amalgamation of his/her qualities which makes
him unique and helps him stand apart from the rest.
Character plays an essential role in Personality Development
 Personality development is not just about appearance or expensive brands.
 Personal accountability is crucial; one is answerable to oneself.
 Character, innate from birth, tends to remain consistent over time.
 Honesty is an inherent and unwavering aspect of an individual's character.
A person with a good character finds acceptance wherever he goes and respected by all
Character includes traits such as:
- Honesty
- Leadership
- Trust
- Courage
- Patience
 Cultivating good character traits can contribute to the development of a winning
personality.
 It's essential to cultivate a sense of loyalty and attachment to your organization.
 Effective leadership requires a specific set of qualities not everyone possesses.

Personality Types - Different Types of Personality

 The Duty Fulfiller - An individual that takes their responsibilities seriously
 - Serious and value peace and honesty in their lives.
2. The Mechanic - Individuals that are fascinated towards machinery like aeroplane,
motorcycling, cars, races, etc.

- They are interested in knowing how things work.

3. The Nurturer – Individuals with a big heart.

- Selfless, their happiness is seeing other people happy.
4. The Artist – Artists that have an eye for natural beauty and creativity.
- They believe in the saying YOLO (You Only Live Once); they live in the moment.
- Individuals that are cool headed.
- They do not copy others and aspire to create their own style.

5. The Protector – Protectors are individuals who want the best system to get things right.
, - Hardworking individuals that think irrationaly

6. The Idealist - People that have strong set of values and ethics.
- They find happiness in helping others.
7. The Scientist – Individuals that are extremely intelligent that has a very analytical mind.
, - They are always want to gather information for them to upgrade their
existing knowledge.
8. The Doer – They are risk takers; they act immediate as they can to get an immediate
results. , - The fulfill their tasks in a shortest time possible.
9. The Guardian – They are perfectionist, they want everything to go on smoothly.
- They are mature who has a clear set of goals and standard.
10. The Performer – They strive hard to get the attention of others.
- They are lively and fun to be with.
11. The Inspirer – The role model for others; they are talented causing others to be inspired by
them.
- They have great people skills
12. The Giver – They are comfortable with the company of others and do not prefer to stay
alone.
- They possess a natural inclination to give and support
13. The Executive - They are born leaders.
- They love taking charge and are good in making decisions.

S P I R I T U A L S E LF
INTRODUCTION
- Spiritual self is one of the four constituents of the "self" according to William James in his book,
The Principles of Psychology in 1890. The spiritual self is the most intimate, inner subjective part
of self. It is the most intimate version of the self because of the satisfaction experienced when
thinking of one's ability to argue and discriminate, of one's moral sensibility and conscience, and
of our unconquerable will ( James 1890) is purer than all other sentiments of satisfaction(Green
1997). The ability to use moral sensibility and conscience may be seen through the expressions
 of religion, its beliefs and practices. In the same manner, cultural rituals and ceremonies are
some manifestations what people believe in. Moreover, seeking the meaning of life is a journey
that the spiritual self is on.

LESSON PROPER
What Is the Difference between the Soul and the Spirit?
- The terms soul and spirit have been discussed at length throughout philosophy, literature, and
religion. Even scientists have ventured remarks about the soul. Often, though, soul and spirit are
interpreted to mean the same thing and end up being used interchangeably. This can lead to the
question, “Is there a difference between the soul and the spirit, and does it really matter if there
is?” Regardless of what philosophy, literature, religion, or some scientists say, we have to ask,
“What does the Bible say?” The Bible clearly makes many references to both. So what does
God’s Word say about our soul and our spirit? And why can knowing this be a crucial factor in
our spiritual progress and relationship with God?

Are they the same thing?

- 1 Thessalonians 5:23 says, “And the God of peace Himself sanctify you wholly, and may your
spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame, at the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ.” This verse clearly tells us that human beings are made up of three parts—the spirit, soul,
and body. In the original Greek language, the conjunction “and” in “spirit and soul and body”
indicates the three are different from one another. So just as the body is separate and distinct
from the soul, the soul is also separate and distinct from the spirit, as illustrated in the diagram
below:
- Hebrews 4:12 makes an even finer distinction, saying, “For the word of God is living and
operative and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and
spirit and of joints and marrow, and able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
From this verse, we can understand that the soul and the spirit are so close to one another that
the two require the word of God to divide them, to separate them from each other.
- Based on these two verses alone, we can conclude that our soul and our spirit are not the same
thing. In fact, it is evidently not only important for us to see that they are distinct components,
but also to discern one from the other.

 Religion - Rebecca Stein (Stein 2011) works on the definition of religion "as set of cultural beliefs
and practices that usually includes some or all of basic characteristics. These characteristics are:
1. A belief in anthropomorphic supernatural being, such as spirit and gods.
2. A focus on the sacred supernatural, where sacred refers to a feeling of reverence and awe.
3. Supernatural power or energy that is found on supernatural beings as well as physical beings and
objects.
4. The performance of ritual activities that involves the manipulation of sacred object to communicate
to supernatural beings and/or influence or control events.
5. The articulation of worldview and moral codes through narratives and other means.
6. Provide the creation and maintenance of social bonds and mechanism of social control within a
community; provide explanation for unknown and a sense of control for individuals.

- An individual lives in a society where there are many practices of religion. The choice of religious belief
lies within the spiritual self. Although the choice maybe influenced by the society and its culture.
  Ritual - is the performance of ceremonial acts prescribed by a tradition or sacred law (Britannica
2017). Ritual is a specific, observable mode of behavior exhibited by all known societies. It is
thus possible to view ritual as a way of defining or describing humans.
There are three fundamental characteristics of rituals according to Penner (Britannica 2017). Ritual
has the characteristics of:
1. A feeling or emotion of respect, awe, fascination, or dread in relation to the sacred.
2. Dependence upon a belief system that is usually expressed in the language of myth.
3. Is symbolic in relation to its reference.

- The self can be described as a ritual being who exhibits a striking parallel between their ritual and
verbal behavior. Just as language is a system of symbols that is based upon arbitrary rules, ritual may be
viewed as a system of symbolic acts that is based upon arbitrary rules. Participation to rituals is
expressions of religious beliefs.

SOME WORLD RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND PRACTICES

- There are different religions with different beliefs and practices. Some major world
religions are Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and Judaism. Excerpt of some
religious beliefs and practices are found in the University of London’s Religion and Belief
Guide 2017.
Buddhism
Beliefs - Buddhism believes that life is not a bed of roses. Instead, there are suffering, pain, and
frustrations. When people suffer, they want to experience the goodness of life and avoid
disappointments. It becomes a habit known as the reactive cycle of wanting and hating, like and
dislike, and craving and aversion. This reactive cycle can be broken through the practice of
mediation, acquiring more wisdom and deeper understanding, and acceptance of things as they
are.
 Four Noble Truths
Dukkha - the truth of suffering.
Samudaya - the truth of the cause of suffering.
Nirodha - the truth of the end of suffering.
Magga - the truth of the path that frees us from suffering.
 The Noble Eightfold Path
Right Understanding
Right Thought
Right Speech
Right Action
Right Livelihood
Right Effort
Right Mindfulness
Right Concentration
 Nirvana - a state of enlightenment
Customs and Practices - There are two types of meditation practices: samatha and vipassana.
Samatha is practiced as mindfulness of breathing and development of loving- kindness (Metta
Bhavana). Vipassana practices aim at developing into reality. Acquiring wisdom is by studying
Buddha's teaching, the Dharma. Through the reflection of Dharma, Buddhists can achieve a
deeper understanding of life.
- Buddhist believe in non-violence principle - Some of the major Buddhist celebrations are
Parinirvana Day in February; Buddha Day (Wesak) in May; Dharma Day in July:
Padmasambhava Day in October; and Sangha Day in November.

Christianity
Beliefs - Christians believe in Trinitarian God. One God in three personas: God the Father
(Creator), God the Son (Savior), and God the Holy - Spirit. Eternal life after death will be
achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is, God the Son, who came into flesh, to
spread the Good News of Salvation. He died on the cross for the sin of the humanity but
resurrected from the death, so that anyone who believes in Him will be saved and have eternal
life. The Holy Bible is a selection of books, which is divided into two, the Old Testament and
New Testament
Customs and Practices - Sacrament of Baptism and Sacrament of Communion are practiced by
Christian churches. The Sacrament of Baptism symbolizes the birth in Christian World, while the
Sacrament of Communion is an act of remembrance of Jesus Christ's sacrificial love. Jesus Christ
teaching in unconditional love that is expressed in loving the poor, oppressed, and outcast of
the society.
Christmas and Resurrection (Easter) are the two major celebrations in Christianity. Christmas,
usually on December 25, commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ while Resurrection Sunday
(depends on the lunar calendar, sometime in March or April) celebrates the resurrection of
Jesus Christ from death.
Hinduism
Beliefs - Hinduism covers a wide range of traditional beliefs and religious groups; thus, there is
no single founder or leader. Hindus believe that existence is a cycle of birth, death and rebirth,
governed by Karma. Karma is a concept where the reincarnated life will depend on how the
past life was spent. Hindus believe that the soul passes through a cycle of successive lives and
its next incarnation is always dependent on how the previous life was lived. Vedas are sacred
scriptures of Hindus. Mahabharata and Ramayana are two other important texts of the Hindus.
Polytheism
- Brahman
- Vishnu
- Shiva
Reincarnation (Samsara) - Hindus believe in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.
Dharma and Karma - Dharma refers to one's duty or way of , and Karma is the law of cause and
effect.
Sacred Texts
• Vedas
• Upanishads
• Bhagavad Gita
• Ramayana
• Mahabharata
 - Temples and Rituals - Hindu worship often involves rituals, ceremonies, and visits to
temples.

Customs and Practices - Diwali, and Navrati are the most celebrated festivals of the Hindus.
Diwali is the Festival of Lights while Navrati is the festival of nine nights, which celebrate the
triumph of good over evil. Hindus have set dates to honor particular manifestations of God.
Customs and Practices
1. Puja (Worship)
2. Yoga and Meditation
3. Festivals
• Diwali Festival
• Holi Festival
• Navratri Festival

Islam
Beliefs - Muslims believe in Allah, who is their "One God." They believed in the unity and
universality of God. Muslims also have a strong sense of community or "ummah" and an
awareness of their solidarity with all Muslims worldwide. Islam means 'willing submission to
God."
- Muslims believe that Mohammed is the last and final prophet sent by God. Mohammed
was born in Mecca in 570 CE and received revelations from God through the Angel
Gabriel over a period of 23 years. The Holy Book of Islam is called the Quran, which was
taught to be recited in Arabic because any translation is seen as inadequate.
- Monotheism (Tawhid) - As the word itself, Muslims believe in one God, called Allah, who
is all knowing, merciful, and compassionate.
- Prophethood (Risalah) - This is a fundamental belief that God has sent prophets
throughout history to guide humanity.
- The Quran - The Quran is the holy book of Islam. It serves as a comprehensive guide for
life, covering matters of faith, morality, law, and guidance for personal conduct.
- Angels and Jinn - Islam acknowledges the existence of angels as obedient servants of
God and jinn, sentient beings with free will.
- Day of Judgment (Akhirah) - It is believed to be the day when all individuals will be
resurrected and held accountable for their deeds. On this day, God will judge everyone
based on their actions, and they will either be rewarded with paradise or face
consequences in hell.
Customs and Practices - Muslims believe in the five pillars of Islam, which are the foundation
of Muslim life:
1. Shahadah - statement of faith: "There is no God but the one true God and Mohammed is his
messenger."
2. Salat - the prayer that is practiced five times a day.
3. Zakat - the monetary offering for the benefit of the poor. It comprises the 2.5% of a Muslim's
assets.
4. Hajj - the yearly pilgrimage to Mecca. Muslims who can afford are asked to do the pilgrimage
at least once in their lifetime.
5. Sawm - the fasting. Muslims do fasting from food, drink, and sexual act, during the
celebration of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The fast is
from dawn to sunset.
- Two of the major festivals in Islam are Eidul-Fitr and Eidul-Adha. Eidul-Fitr is the
celebration at the end of Ramadan, while Eidul-Adha is celebrated within the
completion of the Pilgrimage, the Hajj.
- Dress Code and Modesty – In Islam, modesty is emphasized in dress and behavior.
 Halal Practices
Judaism
Beliefs - The Jews believe in the God of Abraham, the same God that liberated the Hebrew
slaves from Egypt to Canaan, the Promised Land through the leadership of Moses and later,
Joshua.
- Jews believe in the coming of Messiah, the Savior. The sacred scripture of the Jews is
called the Torah or the Law. The Torah is the guide of the Jewish living. The study and
interpretation of Torah is part of the Jewish culture.
Custom and Practices - Five major festivals observed by Jews:
1. Rosh Hashanah – New Year
2. Yom Kippur – Day of Atonement
3. Pesach – Passover
4. Shavuot – Pentecost
5. Sukkot – Tabernacles. The Jewish Sabbath begins on Friday evening at sunset and is an
important time when families gather for the Shabbat meal.
- Religious beliefs, rituals, practices, and customs are all part of the expression of the spiritual
self. What to believe and how to manifest the belief is entirely dependent on the individual, to
the self. Religious beliefs and practices, therefore, are formed relative to its context and
culture.

Finding and Creating Meaning of Life

- Another extensive study of self can be found in the works of Dr. Viktor E. Frankl. The
Viktor Frankl Institute in Vienna was created in 1992.
- Dr. Viktor E. Frankl was born on March 26, 1905 in Vienna, Australia where famous
psychiatrists Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler lived. At a young age, he wrote a short
paper to Freud which was published after three years. He graduated with a medical
degree from the University of Vienna in 1930. Was assigned in Vienna Hospital suicide
ward and headed the Rothschild Hospital, eight years later.
- A survivor of the Holocaust, Dr. Frankl published a book about logotherapy. In 1959, the
book was translated to English and was revised in 1963 as The Doctor and the Soul: An
Introduction to Logotherapy. His book, Man’s Search for Meaning has been used as a
textbook in high school and college courses. Dr. Frankl died in 1997.

Logotherapy
 - Logotherapy is a psychotherapy introduced by Dr. Viktor Frankl, the Father of
Logotherapy. Main belief of this is that “man’s primary motivational force is search for
meaning.” Which aids individuals to find personal meaning of life, whatever life situation
they may be.
- In logotherapy, meaning can be discovered by creating a work or doing a deed,
experiencing something, or encountering someone and the attitude toward unavoidable
suffering. According to the Viktor Frankl institute of Logotherapy, it uses the philosophy
of optimism in the face of tragedy, where people are capable of “fuming suffering into
human achievement and accomplishment; deriving from guilt the opportunity to change
oneself for the better; and deriving from life’s transistorizes an incentive to take
responsible action.”
Basic Concepts of Franklin Psychology
 Life has meaning under all circumstances.
 Main motivation for living is our will to find meaning in life.
 Freedom to find meaning.
Furthermore, it aims to: (1) become aware of spiritual resources, (2) make conscious spiritual
resources, and (3) use “defiant power of the human spirit” and stand up against adversity.

Logotherapy Assumptions
- All psychotherapies make philosophical assumptions about the human persons that
cannot be proved with certainty. Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy states the
assumptions of logotherapy, which include the following:
1. The human being is an entity consisting of body, mind, and spirit. First assumption deals
with body (soma), mind (psyche), and spirit (noos).
2. Life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable. Assumption two is
“ultimate meaning”
3. People have a will to meaning. The third assumption is seen as our main motivation for
living and acting.
4. People have freedom under all circumstances to activate the will to find meaning.
Assumption four is that we are free to activate our will to find meaning, and this can be
done under any circumstances.
5. Life has a demand quality to which people must respond if decisions are to be
meaningful. The meaning of the moment is more practical in daily living than ultimate
meaning.
6. The individual is unique. Deals with one’s sense of meaning. Enhanced by the realization
that we are irreplaceable.
- In essence, all humans are unique with an entity of body, mind, and spirit. We all go
through unique situations and are constantly looking to find meaning. We are always free to
do these in response to certain demands.

Frankl’s Sources of Meaning

- Popova (2017) discussed Viktor Frankl’s work. There are three possible sources of the
meaning of the purposeful work, courage in the face of difficulty, and love.
1. Purposeful Work. To find the meaning of life starts with holding a future goal.
 2. Courage in the Face of Difficulty. A meaningful life is a life with suffering.
3. Love. Popova (2017) quoted Dr. Frankl’s notes about his experience in the Nazi Camp:
“For hours I stood hacking at the icy ground. The guard passed by, insulting me, and once
again, I communed with my beloved. More and more I felt that she was present, that she
was with me; I had the feeling that I was able to touch her, able to stretch out my hand and
grasp hers. The feeling was very strong: she was there. Then, at that very moment, a bird
flew down silently and perched just in front of me, on the heap of soil which I had dug up
from the ditch, and looked steadily at me”

- Dr. Frankl’s wife, parents, and some relatives were victims of gas chambers. His love for
his wife kept him fight for his life. Popova (2017) also quoted Dr. Frankl’s definition of
love: “Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his
personality. No one can become fully aware of the very essence of another human being
unless he loves him. by his love, he is enabled even more, he sees that which is potential
in him. Furthermore, by his love, the loving person enables the beloved person to
actualize these potentialities. By making him aware of what he can be and of what he
should become, he makes these potentialities come true”
- Castello (2015) captured Frankl’s message: “The ultimate secret on the spiritual
foundation of life is that love is salvation and joy eternity.” The ultimate factor to find
the meaning of life is love.

P O L I T I C A L S E LF
ETHYMOLOGY AND DEFINITION
POLITICS - The English word "politics" derives from the Greek word and the title of Aristotle's
classic work politiká (Πολιτικά; affairs of the cities). It is defined as (1) the science of
government; and (2) the activities of a political party. The word politics is a noun, while the
word political is an adjective which pertains to governmental affairs or to politics.
- Simply, politics is a set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups,
or other forms of power relations between individuals.
Filipino - The word Filipino has roots from the Spanish colonization, more specifically from “las
Islas Filipinas” or "the Philippine Islands".
- Filipino means (1) a native or national of the Philippines, or a person of Filipino descent;
and (2) the national language of the Philippines
Political Self:
- Is a result of various personal and environmental factors that impact the individual.
WHO IS A FILIPINO?
- The 1987 Constitution of the Philippines tells us who the citizens of the Philippines are.
▪ According to the Constitution, Filipino citizens are: (1) Those who are citizens of the
Philippines at the time of the adoption of this Constitution; (2) Those whose fathers or mothers
are citizens of the Philippines; (3) Those born before January 17, 1973, of Filipino mothers, who
elect Philippine citizenship upon reaching the age of majority; and (4) Those who are
naturalized in accordance with law.
- To understand that better, let’s look at the modes of acquiring Philippine citizenship.
▪ There are two (2) generally recognized forms of acquiring Philippine citizenship:
1. Filipino by birth
a. Jus soli (right of soil) which is the legal principle that a person’s nationality at birth is
determined by the place of birth (e.g. the territory of a given state)
b. Jus sanguinis (right of blood) which is the legal principle that, at birth, an individual acquires
the nationality of his/her natural parent/s. The Philippine adheres to this principle.
2. Filipino by naturalization which is the judicial act of adopting a foreigner and clothing him
with the privileges of a native-born citizen. It implies the renunciation of a former nationality
and the fact of entrance into a similar relation towards a new body politic (2Am.Jur.561,
par.188).
- However, citizenship is not the only element we need to consider in identifying who a
Filipino is.
▪ History, culture, traits, and values are also part of what makes one a Filipino.

FILIPINO TRAITS AND VALUES

Any geographical unit has common traits and values. For Filipinos, the following are what
we are most known for (some of them are positive traits, while some are negative traits,
can you tell which is which?):
1. The Filipino Hospitality
- A true trademark of Filipinos
- It involves;
▪ welcoming guests and tourists as if they are blood related
▪ making their guests “feel at home”
▪ bringing out their best sets of plates and utensils for honored guests and would even
go as far as spending a lot of money and going into debt.
2. Respect for Elders
- Filipinos greet and address their elders in distinct ways to show respect.
▪ Mano culture, po at opo
▪ Ate for older sister, Kuya for older brother, Tito for uncle, Tita for aunt, Lola for
grandmother and Lolo for grandfather, Manong and Aling for older people outside the
family.
3. Cheerful Personality (Joy and Humor)
- Filipinos have cheerful and fun-loving approach to life. We have a pleasant, happy
disposition.
▪ Contributes not only to Filipino charm, but also to the indomitability of spirit.
- It has been said that smiling is a coping strategy for many Filipinos especially during
trying times and calamities.
- Filipinos always try to maintain a positive outlook in life which makes them resilient.
4. Self-Sacrifice
• the giving up of one's own interests or wishes in order to help others
• Filipinos often wish comfort and better lives for their loved ones and would even go to
the extent of working abroad hundreds of miles away to earn more money and save up
for them (OFW).
5. Bayanihan
• Derived from the word Bayan which means town, nation, or a community in general.
• Bayanihan literally means “being a bayan” and is thus used to refer to the spirit of communal
unity and cooperation of Filipinos.
• A traditional system of mutual assistance in which the members of a community work
together to accomplish a difficult task. In later use also: a spirit of civic unity and cooperation
among Filipinos.
• Usually observed during calamities, but best exemplified by the old tradition of neighbors
helping to relocate a family by carrying the whole house (bahay kubo).
6. “Bahala Na” Culture
• “Bahala na” is the Filipino version of the famous line “Hakuna Matata” meaning no worries.
• The phrase is said to have originated from “Bathala na,” where Bathala means God.
7. Colonial Mentality
• Colonial mentality is regarded as the lack of patriotism and the attitude where Filipinos favor
foreign products more than their own. o It does not only concern goods, but also the desire to
look more foreign than local and keep up with foreign beauty trends.
• Attributed from the centuries of colonization Filipinos had experienced under the Spanish,
American, and Japanese rule.
8. Manana Habit
• Filipino term for procrastination.
• Derived from longer Filipino phrase “Mamaya na”.
• Poor habit of laziness that results in heavier workloads
9. Ningas Kugon \
- “Ningas” is a Filipino term for flame and “kugon” is a term for Cogon grass that easily
burns out after it is put into flames.
- Refers to the attitude of eagerly starting things but quickly losing eagerness soon after
experiencing difficulty, just like how fast fire burns Cogon grass.
 Pride
- A high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority,
whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc.
- Filipinos are known for being prideful (e.g. holding on to their pride as if they are more
precious than keeping a good relationship with family and loved ones)
- A lot of Filipinos find it hard to apologize first.
 Crab Mentality
- Resents the achievement of another, instead of feeling happy for that person.
▪ Just like crabs in a container, they pull each other down and ruin each other’s
reputation rather than bringing them up, resulting to no progress.
 Filipino Time
- Arriving late at commitments, class, dinner or parties especially if they are meeting
someone close to them.
 Close Family Ties
- Filipinos maintain a tight relationship with their families regardless if the children are old
enough and already have families of their own.

FILIPINO MAKERS - The hallmarks of being a Filipino, a constant reminder of our nationality.
 Proverbs or Salawikain
 - These are sayings that convey lesson and reflections on Filipino practices, beliefs and
traditions.
▪ An example of a Filipino proverb are the sayings “Kung may tiyaga, may nilaga” and
“Kung ano ang itinanim, siyang aanihin”.
 Superstitions
- A belief or notion, not based on reason or knowledge, in or of the ominous significance
of a particular thing, circumstance, occurrence, proceeding, or the like.
- Some of Filipino superstitions are passed down from generation to generation.
▪ Some of these maybe influenced by beliefs from other cultures but Filipinos have
retold these superstitions according to their own experiences.
▪ Some examples are:
- Serve pancit (noodles) at birthdays
- believed to represent long life.
- Referred to as either “usog” or “bati”, this superstition says that when a person with
strong energy greets a child, the child may soon after suffering from unexplainable
discomfort.
 Myths and Legends
- These stories are aimed to explain the origin of things, at the same time, teach a
valuable lesson.
- Alamat ng Pinya is one example of myth.
 Heroes and Icons
- Heroes serve as a reminder of true patriotism and nationalism as they have sacrificed
their lives for the sake of their country’s freedom and progress.
- Icons have made the Filipinos known worldwide through their abilities and expertise.

Now that you have a more concrete sense of who you are as a Filipino, let us talk about
the politics side of things. The political self is shaped and enhanced through active
citizenship.

THE POLITICAL SELF AND DEVELOPING ACTIVE CITIZENSHIP

 Politics function based on a particular social economic and cultural context. The nature
of politics and political systems is dependent on the culture of the state.
▪ Political claims made by any person are influenced by their geographical location and
ideology (i.e. Being a Filipino Citizen living in the Philippines influences your political
claims).
▪ Politics is concerned with power. Power inequalities can be observed within societies.
The one who holds power holds influence.
 Politics goes hand in hand with the society.
▪ Politics pervades the structure of society, and thus influences inhabitants in their
beliefs, ethics, and behavior.
 Political Identity
▪ Identity is the story that we tell ourselves and others about who we are, who we were,
and who we foresee ourselves to be. Identity shapes many of aspects of life, from how
we see the world to how we behave.
 ▪ The concept of a political identity can best be understood as an inner narrative of
one’s political self.
- Orientation of political self
o National identity
o Various forms of specific knowledge, feelings, beliefs about political
institutions
o More transient views about specific policies, issues, programs, personalities
and events
▪ Much of the literature on identity admits that a political identity is a vague concept inherently
difficult to measure (Valde 1996).
 As members of the society, people are naturally obligated to participate in a political
system.
▪ As Aristotle stated, “Man is, by nature, a political animal.” This is because man is a
social being and are naturally drawn to various political involvements in order to satisfy
their social needs.
▪ The political self is not only shaped by one’s political affiliation or beliefs. One’s sense
of accountability should be manifested in promoting certain advocacies through healthy
political engagement. This is aligned with the concept of active citizenship.
- Active citizenship refers to the structured forms of engagement with political
processes and everyday forms of participation in society.
- It is also defined as the process of sharing decisions which affect one’s life and
the life of a community in which one lives. Participation is the fundamental right
of citizenship.
- Active citizenship is anchored on one’s cognitive and behavioral engagement to
participate in formal and informal political activities.
- Different people manifest different levels of active citizenship; some they take a
more active approach in making their voices heard, while some, less so.
- Active citizenship is a practice of democracy.
o Democracy should not only be thought of as a form of government. It is a
communal system that allows freedom of citizens to make informed choices that
allow them to be heard.
- Active citizenship is a social construct.
o It fosters social relatedness and belongingness.
- The most important goal of active citizenship is to instill change and influence
society at large.
- Active citizenship is also associated with the “sense of community.”
o People, including adolescents, participate in communal activities because it
gives a sense of belonging in a particular group.
- For the younger generation, active citizenship can contribute to their social
development.
o Engaging in such activities can also enhance efficacy and competence of the
younger generation, as they are considered to be the “future leaders” of the
society.
 o The participation of the youth in nation-building activities enhances their value
orientation and fosters integrity, compassion, and the sense of justice, which are
crucial to the holistic development of a citizen of a nation.
o The participation of the youth in political discourse and social activities can
result in cultural and political paradigm shifts that may be felt even by future
generations.

HOW TO BE A GOOD FILIPINO

- Be an active and responsible Filipino citizen.
▪ Keep abreast of current events and participate in government programs aimed
at the country’s progress and development.
▪ Exercise your right to vote; choose a representative that would serve the
interests of the people and the Filipino nation.
▪ Exercise your rights responsibly and with due regard for the rights of others.
▪ Uphold the Constitution and obey the laws.
- Study the Philippine history.
▪ By learning the Philippine history, you will hopefully develop a sense of
nationalism and patriotism.
▪ This will help you recognize abuse of political power, and how to contribute
into making a better country.
▪ This will put you in perspective, not to take for granted the sacrifices of our
ancestors.
- Support local products.
▪ Help strengthen the local economy.
▪ A strong economy means there is stable work for more Filipinos, and more
investments within and from outside the country.
- Speak the Filipino language.
▪ To love of our own language is to show pride at being a Filipino, it is a way of
displaying love for one’s own country.
- Do not spread fake news and be democratic in engaging with dissent.
▪ Verify your resources, be responsible in your postings and arguments.
Remember that you also have the duty to be a role model to the younger
generations.
- Do not litter. Dispose of your garbage properly. Segregate. Recycle. Conserve.
▪ Take care of our home, the land that feeds us and sustains us.

There are other ways and other things you can do, to be a good Filipino, but remember first and
foremost your duty as a human, and that is to be respectful and kind, not just to your fellow
Filipinos, but to your fellow humans.