Faun

  Evaporating locomotive at night, 1896, Hermann Pleuer (1863–1911) ”… we are sometimes inclined to say that some of the thoughts, decisions and actions that we undertake are not really one’s own …” Source: SEP What does this mean? Authenticity, in its strongest sense, implies being of unquestionable origin or creator. In a slightly weaker sense, it means being akin to the original or serving as a credible representation. When we declare something as authentic, we affirm that it is exactly what it claims to be. These are potent words. If one is of unquestionable origin or creator, they possess something of indisputable value. However, if one merely resembles the original, their value diminishes. They are no longer the creator but a mere semblance of one. If one lacks authenticity entirely, they are devoid of creative essence and fail even as a credible representation or likeness of the original. They become mundane. What does it mean to be oneself or akin to the original? When o...