On the basis of Winnicott's last statement about the concept of the self in 1971, which included essential clinical concepts from different phases of his work, the unfolding of the term along the imaginary line of the developing self is demonstrated. The assumption is made that Winnicott's prime concern was not accurate conceptualizing, but rather to describe by means of the term self something of the experience of living. The author's intention is to let Winnicott speak for himself as much as possible without aiming at a false systematization.