Glossary entry

Present-day Personality

The current time-and-place expression of human self-awareness during an incarnation.

Short explanation

The Present-day Personality is the current time-and-place expression of human self-awareness during an incarnation. It includes the ways a person thinks, feels, desires, chooses and responds through the material, psychical and noetical conditions of life. It is not the whole of the human being and should not be treated as identical with the Permanent Personality.

Meaning within the teaching

Introspection is connected with recognising the behaviour, tendencies, emotions and thoughts of the Present-day Personality. The current incarnation therefore has real value and responsibility even though this Personality is not the complete continuing identity.

Important distinctions

It is not simply the material body.
It is not an “ego” to be rejected.
It is not interchangeable with Permanent Personality, Individuality, Soul or Self.
Its exact higher relationships will be added only after the terminology is resolved.

Related terms

Permanent Personality — the continuing identity from which it must be distinguished.
Introspection — a means of observing its behaviour.
Permanent Atom — connected with the continuing record of experience.