Work, Ownership, and Identity

Being and Nothingness

This thread follows how work and practical use turn objects into extensions of identity while never completing the desire to possess being.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Instrumental World The Instrumental World from "Being and Nothingness". The Instrumental World Tools and Ends Tools are encountered as parts of practical complexes.

The Instrumental World from "Being and Nothingness". The Instrumental World Tools and Ends Tools are encountered as parts of practical complexes.

The Instrumental World Tools and Ends Tools are encountered as parts of practical complexes. A hammer, nail, and surface acquire meaning through the task that binds them. Work's Horizon The arrangement of instruments reflects the possibilities of the person who uses them, while the world remains beyond complete decipherment.

Labor as Engagement Labor as Engagement from "Being and Nothingness". Labor as Engagement Action Before Reflection A worker acts among tools and demands before asking what the whole life-work relation means.

Labor as Engagement from "Being and Nothingness". Labor as Engagement Action Before Reflection A worker acts among tools and demands before asking what the whole life-work relation means.

Labor as Engagement Action Before Reflection A worker acts among tools and demands before asking what the whole life-work relation means. The task organizes attention and conduct. Reflective Question The meaning of the enterprise as a whole becomes visible only when reflection places its ends at a distance.

The Object as Mine The Object as Mine from "Being and Nothingness". The Object as Mine Ownership's Relation An owned object is not merely usable property.

The Object as Mine from "Being and Nothingness". The Object as Mine Ownership's Relation An owned object is not merely usable property.

The Object as Mine Ownership's Relation An owned object is not merely usable property. It appears as belonging to the person and as reflecting a part of that person's being. Social Recognition Rights can protect ownership, but they do not by themselves explain the existential bond between possessor and possessed.

Money and Creation Money and Creation from "Being and Nothingness". Money and Creation Power to Appropriate Money represents the capacity to acquire objects and make them part of a personal world.

Money and Creation from "Being and Nothingness". Money and Creation Power to Appropriate Money represents the capacity to acquire objects and make them part of a personal world.

Money and Creation Power to Appropriate Money represents the capacity to acquire objects and make them part of a personal world. Purchase feels like a symbolic act of creation. Concealed Dependence The object remains independent even as its meaning and use are organized around the owner's projects.

Objects as Self-Image Objects as Self-Image from "Being and Nothingness". Objects as Self-Image Worldly Identity Clothing, books, furniture, and tools can reflect the owner back to himself.

Objects as Self-Image from "Being and Nothingness". Objects as Self-Image Worldly Identity Clothing, books, furniture, and tools can reflect the owner back to himself.

Objects as Self-Image Worldly Identity Clothing, books, furniture, and tools can reflect the owner back to himself. The possessed world becomes an image of what the person is. Incompletion No collection of possessions can make the owner fully self-grounding. The image remains a projection of an unfinished project.

Part Two, Chapter Three, Section III

Part Two, Chapter Three, discussion of work and tasks

Part Four, Chapter Two, Section II

Part Four, Chapter Two, discussion of acquisition

Part Four, Chapter Two, conclusion of possession analysis