The pursuit of self-knowledge is becoming a lost art - overrun by the speed, anxiety and distractions of contemporary life. This has allowed ideologies, religious and secular, to dominate the landscape of human consciousness. How can we foster a bolder, more independent approach to the age-old question, "Who am I?

Pursuing this question outside of paint-by-number ideologies is one of the biggest challenges contemporary society faces. It strikes at the core of our intentions, our ethics, and our willingness to recognize ourselves in others. It means contradicting 4 trends that dominate the way most people live: 1) Accepting narcissistic behavior as normal, 3) Substituting networks for genuine relationships, 3) Blindly following outdated/destructive social narratives, and 4) Confusing emotional intensity with transformation.

When a person looks to ideologies rather than to his own awareness, he steadily gives up authority over his life. Reversing this demands heightened awareness and a willingness to foster bolder, more authentic, and more compassionate ways of pursuing self-knowledge. With ideological solutions failing in every sphere of human activity, there is precious little time to waste. What are we waiting for?