Not knowing who I am is the ultimate sensory deprivation
Knowledge of self provides the lens by which I interpret and perceive all sensory input.
(knowledge of self is not to be confused with consciousness, my identity can be concretised and defined like any other symbol in the brain)
In a manner the Kabbalists are correct when they say the entire world is constructed such that the creations are capable of receiving. Without input, without sensory input, a creation has no right to exist. Sensory input, receiving, is the foundation of creation, hence sensory deprivation undermines creation and leads to destruction.
However, the Kabbalists stop there, in a deconstructed self that has receptors (Kelim/tools), whereas the holistic self provides for an identity. This identity underlies perception, who I am informs what I perceive both physically and interpretatively. My eyes are drawn to certain aspects of a picture depending who I am, while my interpretation of those aspects are further guided by my identity.
When we were discussing the two approaches to life, אנוכי עפר ואפר vs בשבילי נברא העולם, and Charlie was saying that Yosef was capable of living under each rubric at its appointed time, I am arguing that this is a false dichotomy.
'The world was created for me', is a statement that validates my identity, 'I am dust and ashes', is a statement that negates my ego and my desire for self-fulfilment, it is a statement that addresses my need to receive.
My argument is that I need to know my name, my identity to enable my sense to receive. This is akin to saying, 'The world is created for me hence I am able to perceive what is of value and what is like dust and ashes' -- I don't think it translates, because the statement 'I am dust and ashes' is not possible in this context.
