We can't really know ourselves because we have not created ourselves. But we can know computers, we can know cars, because anything that we made, we can understand.

Terrance Hayes’ quote explores the idea that humans are limited in their ability to truly know themselves because they have not created their own existence. Unlike computers, cars, or other human-made objects, which can be understood and analyzed because they are the result of human design and intention, humans cannot fully comprehend the complexities of their own being. Hayes suggests that while we can have a deep understanding of things we create, such as machines or technology, the same level of understanding is not attainable for our own existence or identity.

The origin of this quote lies in the philosophical and existential questions around self-awareness and human nature. Hayes, an accomplished poet, often delves into themes of identity, race, and the human condition in his work. Here, he draws a distinction between things that are crafted by human hands and the inherent mystery of the human self, implying that the more we create, the more we understand what we make, but the self remains elusive and complex.

Hayes' statement also reflects on the limitations of human knowledge. While we can dissect and understand the components and functions of a machine, we are still left grappling with the enigma of consciousness and identity. This lack of understanding of the self becomes a reminder of the vast unknowns within human nature that cannot be easily explained or controlled, much like how our perception of ourselves is shaped by forces beyond our full comprehension.

Ultimately, the quote touches on the tension between human creativity and the inherent mysteries of existence. While we can control and comprehend the tools and technology we create, the self is a far more complex and intangible subject, something that may always elude complete understanding.