Word of the Day: Person
I enjoy pondering existential philosophies. What does it mean to exist in the world? What is the nature of existence?
These questions have led to an investigation into the meaning of the word person. What does it mean to be a person?
Let’s explore the truth of the word person through etymology.
person (noun) :
a human being regarded as an individual
a character or part in a play
(theology) one of the three modes of being in the Trinitarian Godhead as understood by Christians; the unitary personality of Christ that unites the divine and human natures
The root of person is the Latin word persona which originally meant “a mask, a false face.” This was used to describe characters in a play or the masks they wore in Roman theater. The mask represented the character being portrayed. Over time, person evolved to mean human or individual.
I have heard people express that it is “difficult” or “exhausting” being a person. There is wisdom in revisiting the original meaning of personus. Perhaps the difficulty and exhaustion is in wearing a mask or playing a character.
There are many times in life when we may feel that we are wearing a mask or playing a role. Small talk, pleasantries, social media, societal norms and pressures can all make us feel like we have to portray ourselves in a certain way, or wear a certain mask, to be accepted and appreciated.
Perhaps we have carried some of this initial meaning of person into our modern experience of being a human.
In Christianity, the word person is sometimes used to describe the Trinity — the trifold nature of God as creator, body, and spirit. A person is seen as the Word of God made into flesh, uniting both divine and human natures.
This view of person reminds us that we are more than just the body or the human mask that we wear. We are both characters playing a role and vehicles for the expression of spirit. There are physical and nonphysical elements that make up our person.
If you ever find yourself feeling exhausted by the roles you play in life, remember that you are more than the masks you wear. Can you find time to take off the mask and more deeply explore the truth of who you are? Can you invite this truth to shine brightly in you, even when wearing the mask?
