The 'I' as a Unit of Cosmic Measurement
How human subjective experience and hypothetical ownership serve as an epistemological ruler to know absolute divine attributes.
— Bediuzzaman Said Nursi, The Words (Sözler), The Thirtieth Word — First Aim (Ene Risalesi)The 'I' (the self) is the key and explorer to the hidden treasures of divine attributes. The All-Wise Creator entrusted human beings with a hypothetical unit of measurement called 'I', so that through this relative scale they might understand His absolute sovereignty. Since an absolute, infinite quality without borders or limits cannot be grasped by a finite creature, a hypothetical boundary is necessary. For instance: through our tiny portion of partial knowledge, we grasp His all-encompassing Knowledge. Through our limited strength, we infer His boundless Power. Through our small feeling of stewardship over our room, we understand the Creator's absolute dominion over the cosmos. However, if humanity treats the 'I' as an absolute sovereign owner rather than a borrowed unit of comparison, it betrays the trust and falls into delusion...
Key Philosophical Insight
Your ego is not an independent kingdom; it is a borrowed ruler to measure what is boundless.
Q&A Analysis & Recap
Q What happens when human consciousness forgets its comparative nature?
A It falls into existential loneliness and idolatry of the self. By imagining it owns itself, it cuts itself off from the infinite Source of power and peace.