The science of self-knowledge is important, even if it is a bit fuzzy

Who you really are is a major question worth pursuing for most people, so research into self-knowledge is important despite the fact it often relies on subjective findings

WHO am I? It is a simple yet profound question, long considered worth grappling with on the basis that self-knowledge is good. Take personality, for instance. Intuitively at least, it makes sense to think that if you know your personality, you will make wiser life decisions, have better relationships and ultimately enjoy greater well-being.

That may be true, but studying how accurately we perceive our personality, the subject of our cover story Self-knowledge: How to know your true personality and why it matters, is fraught with difficulties. The fact is there is no objective perspective on your personality in …