The notion of personal identity and the evolution of the self across one’s life has been explored by many philosophers throughout history. The premise that the individual does not remain the same over time can be examined through the concept of “temporal flow” and its impact on self-understanding.
Heraclitus emphasised constant change (panta rhei—everything flows), implying that personal identity is also in continual becoming. Similarly, the existentialism of Sartre suggests that individuals are always engaged in creating themselves through choices and actions, highlighting the fluid nature of human identity.
The finitude of human life grants value to our experiences. The inexorable passage of time and the awareness of mortality, as underscored by Heidegger in Being and Time, give meaning to our actions and compel us to approach existence with authenticity and responsibility.