"The self is an oral society in which the present is constantly running a dialogue with the past and the future inside of one skin"

David Antin's quote, "The self is an oral society in which the present is constantly running a dialogue with the past and the future inside of one skin", speaks to the complexity and multiplicity of human identity and consciousness. It recommends that the self is not a particular or static entity however rather a dynamic and ongoing discussion within oneself, including temporal dimensions of past experiences, present truths, and future possibilities.

The phrase "oral society" communicates the idea that the self is naturally communicative and dialogical. In an oral society, understanding and culture are sent through storytelling and spoken word, stressing the fluidity and interchange of ideas rather than repaired narratives. By likening the self to such a society, Antin implies that our personal identity is co-constructed through an internal discussion, where numerous elements of our experiences and forecasts engage. This dialogue is not written or completely engraved; rather, it is ever-changing and adapting, much like storytelling customs that progress with time.

The idea that the present carries out a constant dialogue with both the past and the future highlights the interconnectedness of time in shaping our selfhood. Our present decisions and identity are notified by past experiences and memories, which remain in continuous conversation with our aspirations, worries, and anticipations for the future. This ongoing discussion within the self suggests that comprehending oneself is an active, reflective procedure. We continuously reinterpret our past actions and look towards the future, shaping our identity through this tri-temporal discourse.

Moreover, the expression "inside of one skin" evokes the concept of unity and containment. It recommends that all these dialogues and stories take place within the boundaries of individual presence, highlighting the individual and intimate nature of this self-conversation. In spite of the multiplicity of influences and the dialogical nature of the self, there is a unity that occurs from being included within one's own skin; it is a singular, cohesive identity created from diverse and dynamic elements.