Personal Identity Essay

Identity is something human beings hold dear. Humans are very complex beings and it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what makes up who a person is or can be. Now, the most common generalizations as to what makes up an identity are: personality, likes, dislikes, experience(s), religion, soul, memories and beliefs. A physical form isn’t mentioned; because the body is a temporary thing. A body doesn’t necessarily mean that it is part of the identity since; what will last forever in not the body but the impact left by personality or ideas, for they are everlasting.
The personality plays but just a small part in what makes up an identity. In some ways humans are all the same. All humans have the same human nature and share a common humanity. The
The personal identity could strongly be effected by religion. It tends to depends on how one is brought up since it will show ones understanding of what is right and what is wrong. There are many different religions and beliefs throughout the world and each of them help mold what kind of person someone will be. Some of the religious values in the Middle East tend to hold since they were brought up that way. Perhaps, being viewed as wrong in which the western people where brought up, but its personal identity that defines us from the rest, no matter what religion one may follow. However, some people out of fear don't have their own personal identity, but one of which that has been provided by the community that follows that religion. Cultural norms and traditions have greater impact on identity than religion. The languages they speak, the books they read, music and food they live and other cultural activities are affected to smaller extent by religion except that devout believers follow strictly the religious edicts for refraining from consumption of alcohol and pork. They follow personal laws for marriages, divorce, dowry, inheritance etc. according to religious values. Religion and beliefs shape our identity by helping us gain answers to the big questions of life. Religion supports us through significant life experiences and shapes our internal dialogue pointing it in the right direction (deepening our moral compass) and therefore shaping our individual