Illism is the practice of referring to oneself in the third person rather than the first. It can be used as a stylistic device in literature or as a psychological tool to gain perspective and improve thinking.
He replied, “Kill Friday.”
“Why should I kill you?” I asked.
“Then why are you chasing Friday away?” he snapped at me.
“Kill Friday—don’t chase him away.”
Defoe's *Robinson Crusoe*
According to a study conducted by Ethan Cross of the University of Michigan, using illesism when discussing one’s own problems can lead to greater intellectual humility, an ability to acknowledge others’ perspectives, and a willingness to compromise. This allows people to distance themselves from their own emotions and see the bigger picture. In literature, illism has been used to create an atmosphere of objectivity and impartiality. Authors such as Julius Caesar and Xenophon used illism in their popular science accounts to justify their actions by presenting personal biases as objectivity. The use of illism in everyday speech can serve as a form of self-distancing, allowing people to step back from their immediate emotions and view a situation from a different perspective.
