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A look at the various parts that make up a person's identity, from hobbies to heritage.
If you woke up tomorrow in a different body with a different name, would you still be 'you'? What is the secret ingredient that makes you unique among billions of people?
Think of your identity like a massive iceberg floating in the ocean. When you look at an iceberg, you only see the tip—about of it—above the water. This represents your external characteristics, like your height, eye color, or the clothes you wear. However, the most important part of the iceberg is the hidden underwater. These are your internal traits: your thoughts, your kindness, your fears, and your dreams. While people see the 'tip' first, the 'underwater' part is what actually defines who you are and how you navigate the world.
Quick Check
If you describe yourself as 'having brown hair,' are you describing an internal trait or an external characteristic?
Answer
An external characteristic, because it is a physical feature that people can see on the outside.
Your identity isn't just one thing; it is a collection of different 'puzzle pieces' that fit together. Philosophers often look at five main areas: Heritage (your family history and culture), Interests (your hobbies and passions), Values (what you believe is right or wrong), Roles (being a student, a sibling, or a friend), and Personality (how you react to the world, like being shy or outgoing). No two people have the exact same combination of these pieces, which is why you are a 'one-of-a-kind' original!
Let's look at Alex's identity puzzle: 1. Heritage: Alex's family is from Brazil. 2. Interests: Alex loves playing the drums. 3. Values: Alex believes in being honest, even when it's hard. 4. Roles: Alex is a big brother and a soccer captain. 5. Personality: Alex is very energetic and curious.
Even if another kid also plays drums, they might not have the same heritage or values as Alex!
Quick Check
Which of the five puzzle pieces would 'believing that everyone should be treated fairly' fall under?
Answer
Values.
Is your identity permanent? Not exactly! Identity is fluid, meaning it can change over time. Think back to when you were years old. You probably had different hobbies and maybe even a different personality. As you learn new things and meet new people, your 'identity iceberg' grows and shifts. This is called personal growth. While some parts of you (like your heritage) stay the same, your interests and values often evolve as you get older.
Imagine a student named Sam. 1. At age , Sam's identity was centered on being a 'dinosaur expert' and a 'fast runner.' 2. At age , Sam moves to a new city. 3. Sam stops studying dinosaurs and starts learning coding. 4. Sam also becomes more 'introverted' (quiet) because of the move.
Sam's external environment changed, which caused Sam's internal interests and personality to shift. Sam is still Sam, but the 'puzzle pieces' have been rearranged.
Consider a person who is a talented artist but is too shy to show anyone their work. 1. On the outside (external), people see a quiet student who sits alone. 2. On the inside (internal), this person is a creative, expressive creator.
If we only judge by the 'tip of the iceberg,' we miss the most important part of their identity. This shows why we must look beyond external characteristics to truly know someone.
Which of these is an example of an internal trait?
Why do philosophers use the 'Iceberg' analogy for identity?
Your identity is fixed at birth and can never change.
Review Tomorrow
Tomorrow morning, look in the mirror and try to name three 'underwater' traits that the mirror can't see.
Practice Activity
Create an 'Identity Map' by drawing a circle with your name in the middle and five branches for Heritage, Interests, Values, Roles, and Personality.