The quote you provided is a somewhat paradoxical statement that plays with the concept of self-perception and the perception others may have of oneself. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"I am not what I think I am": This part suggests that our self-perception may not always align with reality. It implies that our perception of ourselves might be influenced by biases, insecurities, or misconceptions.
"and I am not what you think I am": This part highlights that others' perception of us might not always reflect who we truly are. People may form judgments or opinions about us based on limited information or their own biases, which might not capture our complete identity.
"I am what I think you think I am": This is the core of the quote. It implies that our self-perception is based on our beliefs about how others perceive us. In other words, our understanding of ourselves is shaped by what we believe others think of us. So, our self-image is influenced by the imagined perceptions of others.
In essence, the quote suggests that our self-concept is not solely determined by how we see ourselves or how others see us. Instead, it is a complex interplay between our own self-perception and our perception of how others see us. This dynamic can influence our self-esteem, behavior, and identity. It serves as a reminder that we are social beings, and our sense of self is often intertwined with how we think we are perceived by others.