• 自(nose (pictographic) → self; body)

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

• 乂(cut; eliminate)
• 木(wood; tree)

Using a weapon to chop into wood creates the image of killing and destruction.

• 弋(wooden stake; bow (for arrows))
• 工(work; boatman)

Using wooden stakes and tools together creates a standard template or ritual form.

• 自(nose (pictographic) → self; body)

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

• 乂(cut; eliminate)
• 木(wood; tree)

Using a weapon to chop into wood creates the image of killing and destruction.

• 弋(wooden stake; bow (for arrows))
• 工(work; boatman)

Using wooden stakes and tools together creates a standard template or ritual form.