A sense of self is arguably prior to consciousness. But where does this sense of self come from? A key area of research in recent neuroscience is the activity that is intrinsic to the brain and which is present independent of external stimuli. There are prima facie reasons to suggest that this intrinsic activity is in some way related to our sense of self. This initial argument will be outlined. After this a number of brain imaging experiments that give some empirical support to the hypothesis will be described. This highlights a number of ways in which intrinsic activity may be linked to self. Finally, initial evidence for altered links between intrinsic activity and self-consciousness in psychiatric disorders will be presented.