Can You Be Friends with Yourself?
As someone who has spent a significant amount of time talking to myself over the past year, the idea of being friends with an exact copy of myself is quite intriguing. Would I want to maintain a close relationship with such a clone? This article explores the concept of self-friendship and what it would mean to be close with an identical version of oneself.
The Experience of Constant Company
Due to the global pandemic, I've been cooped up in my house for over a year, practicing social distancing to avoid catching COVID-19. Spending this much time alone has made me realize how much I talk to myself.
Could you imagine being friends with an identical copy of yourself? If there was a clone with all the same traits, including genetics, personality, interests, and abilities, would you want to maintain a relationship with them?
Is Self-Friendship Practical?
While I wouldn't mind having a close friendship with a clone, the notion of hanging out with the same person for extended periods might seem a bit odd. If there was a clone version of me, I wouldn't worry about hurting their feelings, as our thoughts and emotions would be identical. The clone and I would resonate with each other so well that we wouldn't need to seek external perspectives to understand each other.
However, spending all day with the same person does raise the question: What does this say about my social life and my need for external perspectives? It suggests that I rely heavily on my existing consciousness for companionship and that the idea of a separate body hosting the same thoughts and feelings might freak me out a bit.
Self-Friendship and Similarity
Many people find comfort in having friends who share similar qualities and perspectives. If a friend of mine told me they knew someone who reminded them a lot of me, I would likely imagine this person and me getting along well.
For example, I have two very close friends who think exactly like I do, and this shared mindset often strengthens our bond. We could binge-watch our favorite shows, play games against each other, and engage in deep conversations about philosophical topics that we both find interesting. While spending time with the same person can be enjoyable, the need for external perspectives to provide different viewpoints is essential for growth and dialogue.
Identical Clones vs. Human Relationships
The idea of being close to a clone is quite different from having a brother or sister who shares similar traits but is not an exact copy. My brother was the only person I've ever encountered who thought exactly like I do, which is why we were very close. However, even in this case, we needed time apart sometimes to avoid conflicts. If we were to argue, it would be almost impossible to resolve since we both wouldn't give up until we win, leading to an endless loop of disagreement. This would be incredibly entertaining for an outside observer, but rather frustrating in real life.
In conclusion, while the idea of being friends with a clone is intriguing, it also highlights the importance of diverse perspectives in maintaining a rich and fulfilling social life.