Questions for Self-Knowledge

We can ask questions that are outwardly oriented, such as those in the lesson above. We
can also ask questions that are inwardly oriented.

Inwardly oriented questions are questions we ask ourselves in order to better understand
ourselves. Questions we ask ourselves are vitally important to our development. If we
never question ourselves, we incorrectly assume our own infallibility. But fallibility is a
major defining characteristic of humans.

1. Questioning ourselves as learners

Do I understand the requirements of every class I am taking?

Have I sought out advice about how I can best prepare for class?
Do I ask questions in and out of class?
Do I relate the lesson to practical situations in my life?

2. Questioning our egocentrism. Humans naturally see the world in self-serving terms.
We do not naturally consider the rights and needs of others. This is the primary barrier
to the development of insightful thinking. We do not naturally recognize our self-serving
perspective.

Questions that target our own egocentrism, questions specifically designed to uncover
selfishness and self-validation:

Do I tend to ignore information that would require me to rethink my position?

Do I consider that I might be wrong?
Do I tend to consider the needs and desires of others?

3. Questioning our sociocentrism. Living a human life entails membership in a variety of

human groups. Each group to which we belong imposes some level of conformity on us as
a condition of acceptance. This includes a set of beliefs, behaviors, and taboos. For most
people, blind conformity to group restrictions is automatic and unreflective. They
internalize group norms and beliefs, take on group identities, and act as “expected.”
Sociocentric thinking is egocentric thinking raised to the level of the group. It is as
destructive as egocentric thinking.

Questions we can ask to target our sociocentric tendencies:

What behaviors does this group forbid?

How does my society influence my behavior?
What beliefs and behaviors does my culture punish?