ABSTRACT

Distance is no doubt the most basic requirement for a process of reflection to take place. It is only once you take a few steps back that you are able to see what something actually looks like. Distance is also required if we are to be able to reflect on ourselves. Somehow we need a way of seeing ourselves as others see us; from the outside and as objects among others in the world. Lacking such distance we will not become aware of ourselves as social beings and we will not develop a proper conception of who we are.4