Paper 112—Personality Survival: P2—Personality, Reality, & The Self

We continue or study of Paper 112 Personality Survival, moving on to §1. Personality and Reality, and §2. The Self.

Personality has a perfected range of cosmic dimensional performance. The dimensions of finite personality are three, and they are roughly functional as follows:

1. Length represents direction and nature of progression — movement through space and according to time — evolution.

2. Vertical depth embraces the organismal drives and attitudes, the varying levels of self-realization and the general phenomenon of reaction to environment.*

3. Breadth embraces the domain of co-ordination, association, and selfhood organization.

The finite dimensions of personality have to do with cosmic length, depth, and breadth. Length denotes meaning; depth signifies value; breadth embraces insight — the capacity to experience unchallengeable consciousness of cosmic reality. (1226.9–12, 14) 112:1.5–8, 10

It is through the mediation of mind that the self and the environment establish meaningful contact. The ability and willingness of the organism to make such significant contacts with environment (response to a drive) represents the attitude of the whole personality. (1227.5) 112:1.15

The human child first lives and subsequently thinks about his living. In the cosmic economy insight precedes foresight. (1228.1) 112:2.6