I read a lot of different books and philosophies when I was young, always on a quest to understand what being alive was all about. I was very much affected by an author who wrote:
"A life unexamined is no life at all."
This was decades ago that I first read it, and supposedly it originated from Socrates, but many others have repeated it, in their own words.
Carl Jung definitely used that phrase about an unexamined life, as did many other Jungian depth psychologists. If they didn't use it verbatim they certainly referred to this process in their writings and in their psychotherapy.
I have studied Jungian philosophy for years and the biggest lesson I learned is the necessity of the "mandatory" phases we have to go through as adults - understanding who we are, individually and as a collective. Understanding why we respond the way we do, where in the past have we felt this same way, etc. It highlights the need for critical thinking and being the best version of ourselves.
What is interesting, in retrospect, is that no matter our walks in life, I still deem it true that a life unexamined is no life at all.
I have spent probably too much time examining my own life, and am happy to say that I still haven't figured it out. But I think that's okay. But will also say, seems that collectively, we have lost courage.
Such an interesting trek this is.
Just late night thoughts.
Peace and love.