Many mathematicians have spent considerable effort to rid systems of self-reference. One way of doing so is to create a meta-language where one can speak of the system from outside the system. But this leads to the meta-meta-language that is used to describe the meta-language that speaks of the language used internally within a system.
I highly recommend the GEB Book (Godel, Esscher, Bach -- An Eternal Golden Braid) since it covers this very topic. It's listed in the
Book Discussion Forums but hasn't generated a lot of traffic yet. It's main topic is the strange loop; the exact paradox you mention and many other similar paradoxes. It's a classic and a fascinating read. I'd love for several of use to get this book and start some threads in the
GEB forum to discuss its contents.
Regards,
--Robert