Before I can say , I was. Heraclitus and I, prophets of flux, know that the flux is composed of parts that imitate and repeat each other. Am or was, I am cumulative, too. I am everything I ever was, whatever you and Leah may think. I am much of what my parents and especially my grandparents were -- inherited stature, coloring, brains, bones {that part unfortunate}, plus transmitted prejudices, culture, scruples, likings, moralities, and moral errors that I defend as if they were personal and not familial.
The speaker reflects on their identity, acknowledging the complex interplay of past and present. They draw upon the philosophy of Heraclitus, emphasizing that all experiences and traits are interconnected and continually in motion. Their existence is not just a momentary state but rather a culmination of various influences, including those inherited from parents and ancestors. This idea of flux illustrates how personal identity is never static but shaped by a mix of memories and familial legacies.
In wrestling with their identity, the speaker recognizes how deeply rooted prejudices, cultural nuances, and moral beliefs have been passed down, shaping their current self. They defend these inherited aspects as integral to who they are, indicating a struggle between personal and familial identities. This exploration reveals a tension between self-perception and external expectations, highlighting how the influences of lineage and heritage play a crucial role in the understanding of one's identity.
