Absolute vs. Relative Self

AKA separate vs connected self

This is a chart to describe the difference between internal and external validations. These are illustrated on the Self-Identity Cross as the vertical axis.

Info

Absolute Self

It’s absolute because it is independent of the external world. This is characterized by a mutual respect for others, a noticeable inner peace, and a strong connection to life as a whole. Validation is intrinsic and comes from the deep connections you have with your goals, environment, your self-identity, life purpose, and much more.

Relative Self

It’s relative because of how it relies on its relationships with the external world. The relative self (or base self) features the instinctual or relative self: anxieties, fears, impulsiveness, defense mechanisms, chemical cravings, emotional avoidance, negative loops, and self-centered vantage.

Struggle For Balance

Your struggle between the relative and absolute self driven by your preference between unity and individualism, your thoughts and actions, and the consequences of them. The balance depends on the story of your life (narrative continuity), especially in your principles, values, beliefs, the strength of your intuition, and the manner in which you process emotions and make logical decisions.

The Absolute-Relative Self Chart

Feature	Relative Self	Absolute Self
Primary Question	”Where do I stand?"	"What is true?”
Source of Worth	External validation and competition	Internal alignment and existence
State of Mind	Anxiety, scarcity, and separation	Peace, abundance, and unity
Perspective	Looking at the world from a localized ego	Looking with the world as an interconnected whole
^absolute-relative-chart