Myths about Your Personal Identity
Where to Find Yourself Personal identity is a subject of unprecedented interest in our day. Knowing who you are and being true to yourself are seen as signs of good mental health and well-being, and the keys to authentic living and true happiness. Most people today believe that there is only one place to look to find yourself, and that is inward. Personal identity is a do-it-yourself project. All forms of external authority are to be rejected, and everyone’s quest for self-expression should be celebrated. This strategy of identity formation, sometimes labeled expressive individualism, is the view that you are who you feel yourself to be on the inside and that acting in accordance with this identity constitutes living authentically. Despite some clear benefits, key aspects of expressive individualism are open to question. Myth #1: The best way to find yourself is to look inward. In principle, there is nothing wrong with looking inward. Personal exploration and self-reflection are valuab