The Person in the Mirror: Education and the Search for Self and Meaning

Each individual is a unique person. In reality, education today should help students answer two fundamental life questions: Who am I? and Why am I here?

Understanding who they are as individuals and what motivates them leads to a life of purpose and happiness. Without coming to grips with these questions, life can be vacant and void of meaning. A ‘good life’ is predicated, in part, on understanding these questions.

These questions are fundamental and affect all aspects of life. Everyone must come to terms with them throughout each phase of life. They provide the foundation for introspection and understanding necessary to pursue a life of meaning.

What kind of education do students need to begin to think about who they are and how they can find significance in their lives? Both are essential to enable a life of happiness, freedom, and success. To deal with inevitable change, each individual must have a sense of self and purpose.