Caroline Amen

Mr. Longo

AP English Language Composition

4 September 2018

The Relationship between Ownership and Sense of Self

For years, many great philosophers have contemplated over the relationship between ownership

and sense of self. The concept of ownership could be perceived differently by everyone. When people

think of ownership, they assume it applies primarily to items we can buy and obtain through money.

Most believe the material items you own places your higher in today’s society. Others have come to the

conclusion that ownership pertains to intangible items that can create one’s sense of self. That ownership

is a contributing factor in depicting who a person truly is. ​So what does it really mean to own something​?

To own something means that you have full control over it. The term itself could appertain to both

tangible and intangible items. In my opinion, ownership is something that can extend well beyond

materialistic items. It can also portray a person’s self-perception. Therefore, the notion can be defined

superlatively through Sartre’s viewpoint on the connection between ownership and knowing oneself.

Sartre's take on ownership is certainly an important factor in determining the relationship between

ownership and self identity. In his opinion, ownership extends well beyond the items we can physically

touch. Many people take ownership in their faith, actions, work, and even happiness. When we own these

ideas, it shapes the overall self, creating an identity. Everyone has stuff, however, it’s what people decide

to take ownership of is what utterly matters. People become so obsessed with wanting more because they

believe it will award them satisfaction. A person who focuses merely on accumulating items such as

money, clothes, and things they deem make them happy, might genuinely not be content with themselves.

Ultimately, this leads to the impairment of a person’s sense of self. They become greedy and forget the

truly valuable things about life. This then reflects on who they are as a person. For instance, society is
split into antithetical classes. The poor communities around the world are perceived to be unhappy

individuals because they simply do not have the resources nor the money to provide for themselves.

However, contrary to beliefs, these people take ownership of their happiness and attempt to make the best

out of what they have. They are not held up on the materialistic items because they find enjoyment in the

simple things. This is a perfect example of the poor taking ownership over their happiness. These people

own it and as a result, it exposes their true selves. It is evident that anyone can take ownership over

objects they acquire, yet, it’s the intangible items that develop a person’s moral character. Although it is

easy to claim physical items, Sartre forces the belief that ownership truly applies to knowledge. He states

“​becoming proficient in some skill and knowing something thoroughly means that we own it.” I felt that

this assertion made by Sartre, indubitably, relates to my life and the skills I have tried to acquire over the

years. Through life experiences, I have come to to the realization that it’s the things we take ownership of

that determine a greater sense of ourselves. School has taught me to own my knowledge through my

mistakes. If I don’t receive the score I strive for on a test, I know I will simply have to study harder next

time. In doing so, I am owning the knowledge of my mistake. In addition, soccer has taught me to own

my actions as well as knowledge of the game. Playing a sport since you are little, allows you to prosper

as an athlete and more importantly, a person. Over time, you develop skills that aid you in growing as a

player. For eight years, many coaches have taught me new pieces of information that have helped me gain

familiarity with the game. These circumstances, have allowed me to develop self-perception and

characterize my moral character. ​Taking ownership over this knowledge reflects on who I am as a person

and ultimately what I can do to become a better one.

Without a doubt, the relationship between ownership and an individual's sense of self can

thoroughly be defined through Sartre's outlook​. He asserts the belief that ownership doesn't just apply to

the tangible items, but the intangible items as well. These items teach us important knowledge and skills,

that help shape us into the people we are. Tangible items are great when it comes to if it’s completely
necessary. However, the true ownership feeling only comes when you work for it. When you acquire

skills or knowledge over a period of time, you realize just how important it really is. Eventually, this new

found sense of ownership allows you to rethink your self- perception. All in all, Sartre's valid take on the

relationship ownership and sense of self, makes us realize that maybe we should learn how to own

ourselves, before we focus on owning items.