Book VIII
Aristotle
Aristotle's concept of kinship extends the self through familial bonds, seeing children as extensions rather than separate entities. This line challenges the modern emphasis on individualism, instead highlighting a shared identity that persists through generations. In Aristotle's view, parental love isn't merely affection—it's self-preservation in another form. The idea that one's offspring are "other selves" reflects a deeply interconnected understanding of human existence, where personal identity transcends individual boundaries.