Self, the notion of self, as distinct from body and consciousness, as that for which these are active as functions, has many of the attributes of spirit or soul. It has an intrinsic dynamism, it is going somewhere, or otherwise stated it has a destiny and as such it acquires powers and abilities to serve this unknown end. It can be seen as the driver of evolution, bringing forth the senses, including thought and consciousness, out of its need. It is a matter of a change in concepts, separating spirit from consciousness, as if the two had become muddled ever since Descartes.