Self-consciousness was such a prominent theme of philosophical modernity that it could characterize the entire era. Alongside the term "self-consciousness," which only emerged in the 18th century, another term that was more widely used at the time also gained attention: "self-feeling." But why should self-consciousness be a feeling, a pre-conceptual awareness, or an attitude? The new book by Manfred Frank undertakes a comprehensive exploration of both rationalist and empiricist-psychological theories that are mostly forgotten today. It examines old beliefs in light of what newer theories could learn from them and concludes with a commentary on Novalis, in whose studies of Fichte the assumption of a non-objective sense of self and being was present.