The self does not automatically coincide with itself; the command to know oneself implies a gap between the self and its own awareness. This paper explores how identity with oneself can be replaced or substituted within the structure of self-relation, using the image of the Vitruvian Man seen from behind as a symbol. Subjectivity involves more than just having experiences, because even though every experience belongs to a subject, that does not mean the subject experiences itself as the origin of those experiences. The paper reframes the problem of consciousness from whether experience exists to how it is given to itself—either as originating or not. It distinguishes structural reflexivity, which is inherent in conscious experience, from metanoic reflexivity, which creates reflective distance and allows disidentification from substitute forms of self-relation.
Rudolf Otto's metaphysical theology treats the sacred not as a question to be answered but as an invitation to become aware of encountering sacrality. The irrational aspect of mystery is embraced, and knowledge becomes an acceptance of what cannot be known about mystery. The numinous state of mysterium tremendum lies beyond reason, conventional ethics, and causal relations, and is metaphysically undefinable. Its reality, confirmed by empirical pragmatism's impact on human conscience, might be better approached through negative theology. Otto's terminological analysis of divine mystery confirms a dimension of human spiritual life that remains undefinable by reason and argumentative logic.