The former (the false 'I') cannot exist apart from the latter (the real 'I').

Devotee:  I meditate neti-neti (not this - not this).

Ramana Maharishi:  No - that is not meditation. Find the source. You must reach the source without fail. The false ‘I’ will disappear and the real ‘I’ will be realised. The former cannot exist apart from the latter.