I found it difficult to determine where Strawson stood when it came to his classification of Narratives and non-Narratives. I understood that he was likely a non-Narrativist because of the many times he referred to himself and his own perspectives throughout his article, but at the same time I was questioning why he backed up the Narrative side so neatly and in-depth if he was trying to persuade readers to join the other side. He even began the article with four different well-known, accomplished Americans who were Narrativists, as he referred to them as.

Personally, I have never felt hindered by my own life story. I have reflected on my life in a way that maybe I regret something I said during a conversation or wish I didn’t lose my favorite hat or wish I had gotten to know someone sooner but these instances have not, in any way, impeded my existence. It all worked out in the end. Everyone has memories of situations they wish they could have changed, but only a select group of individuals regret an experience so much so that it somehow hinders their life.

In my first year of college, at age 19, I am still trying to figure out who I am. Galen’s idea of each individual possessing many selves at first just seemed overwhelming. I don’t even fully know my one self never mind multiple selves. But after reflecting fully on the article, I wondered if splitting my one self up into various identities would help my understanding of who I am. Is it possible that combining all these selves into one will aid in identity achievement? Is identity achievement ever really accomplished in anyone? Strawson’s text left me with many unanswered questions that I am anxious to return to in my final paper.