This nexus persists through time, and constantly receiving additions, forming and reforming itself. Hence, Bildung, in the most literal sense, is the constant accumulation of Bilder (pictures) around this node (SW VI: 177). As the human being begins to reflect upon its “self”, it becomes aware of its overriding determination as a representing, knowing, cognizing entity; and the further its Bildung advances, the more this conviction grows (SW VI: 178; 180). Hence, “I”, the being that exists in this way, become aware of myself as not a thing, but an act-ing.