• 自(nose (pictographic) → self; body)

Ancient people pointed to their nose when saying "I," so the character for nose also means self.

• 手(hand)
• 戈(weapon; spear)

I am a person holding a weapon in my hand to protect myself.

• 言(speech; words)
• 戠(engrave; imprint)

Using words to mark and distinguish all things is how we gain awareness.

• 自(nose (pictographic) → self; body)

Ancient people pointed to their nose when saying "I," so the character for nose also means self.

• 手(hand)
• 戈(weapon; spear)

I am a person holding a weapon in my hand to protect myself.

• 言(speech; words)
• 戠(engrave; imprint)

Using words to mark and distinguish all things is how we gain awareness.