Without using the word ‘I’, it's impossible to think.

“Strip away the ‘I’ from thought, and all that remains is silence—because even truth needs someone to claim it.”

This isn't about grammar—it’s about how deeply personal perspective shapes every thought. In simpler words, most thoughts come from self-centered thinking, even if we don’t realize it.

Here's a basic, exhaustive list of reasons with examples, especially tailored to the Indian context.

1. Every Thought Begins with a Personal Experience

Reason: Thoughts are formed through what we feel, see, or go through. That means the mind constantly relates things to self.

Examples:

“I didn’t get a seat on the bus today.”
“I love pani puri from that stall.”

Even when complaining about society:
“Why should I follow traffic rules when no one else does?”

2. Opinions are Personal Judgements

Reason: Whether it’s politics, movies, or cricket, opinions come from personal bias or belief.

Examples:

“I think Virat Kohli should be captain again.”
“I didn’t like that new Shah Rukh Khan film.”

You can't separate “I think,” “I believe,” “I feel” from how opinions are formed.

3. Desires and Goals are Always Self-Centered

Reason: Goals like education, career, marriage, etc., all revolve around personal growth or benefit.

Examples:

“I want to become an IAS officer.”
“I should earn enough to buy a house for my family.”

Even religious goals are self-serving:
“I pray so I get peace of mind.”

4. Emotions are Experienced Personally

Reason: Emotions like anger, love, jealousy, or pride can only exist because there’s a personal involvement.

Examples:

“I’m angry because my opinion was ignored in the meeting.”
“I feel proud when someone praises my son.”

You can’t feel these emotions for others unless they affect you somehow.

5. Morality and Ethics Start With Self-Perception

Reason: Judgments of right and wrong often begin with how you were treated or what you believe is fair.

Examples:

“I never cheat in exams, so others shouldn’t.”
“I help the poor, that makes me a good person.”

Even charity becomes about self-image.

6. Every Conflict Comes From a Personal Standpoint

Reason: Disagreements happen because every person sees themselves as right.

Examples:

“I told my brother to be responsible, but he doesn't listen.”
“My neighbor doesn’t understand that I need silence.”

There’s always a personal reason beneath the frustration.

7. Future Thoughts Are Based on Self-Projections

Reason: Thinking about tomorrow involves what you want or fear.

Examples:

“I hope I get that job offer.”
“I need to save money for my daughter’s wedding.”

Even dreaming about a better India:
“I want a country where my children feel safe.”

8. Regrets and Memories Are Self-Reflective

Reason: Memory is a reflection of how past events affected you.

Examples:

“I shouldn’t have quit that job.”
“I miss my college days—they were the best.”

The mind replays stories with the self as the main character.

9. Learning Happens Through Personal Filters

Reason: Even education is filtered by interest, motivation, or need.

Examples:

“I like maths, so I did well in it.”
“I didn’t study history because I found it boring.”

10. Social Interactions Are Driven by the Self

Reason: Every relationship begins with what you want—companionship, support, respect.

Examples:

“I avoid relatives who drain my energy.”
“I talk to that uncle only because he helps me during elections.”

Summary:

The word “I” may be just a letter, but behind it lies the entire human experience. In the Indian context, whether it’s family values, religion, education, politics, or even food—the core of most thoughts begins with "I, me, mine."

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the god of I

(in a city that never listens)

they all said

they were doing it

for love,

for peace,

for god,

for country,

for the starving,

for their parents.

but really—

they just wanted to sleep better,

be praised more,

feel needed,

feel holy,

feel important.

the beggar on the street corner

cries for bread—

but only if someone is watching.

the rich man donates

as long as the camera flashes.

the mother sacrifices

and holds it like a loaded gun.

the guru preaches detachment

with a bank account growing fatter than his beard.

even dogs beg with sincerity.

humans?

we coat our greed in sugar

and call it purpose.

every poem is a mirror.

every mirror, a shrine.

every shrine,

a photo of ourselves

with better lighting.

there is no ‘we.’

there is only the god of I,

worshipped in silence,

fed with applause,

and killed

only when we die.

maybe.

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