Socrates, a fundamental figure in early philosophy, said one should know one's self. It is a good idea but it is not possible. Granted, a person can work on improving self-knowledge but there are many mysteries. In addition, as we age and eventually decline, we change. Still, there are useful clues. It is not only reasoning and memory but there is also emotion, feelings and the fundamental unconscious.
David Eagleman's "Incognito" is an excellent tour of the parts of us that don't speak and don't communicate much but still matter all the time. Lisa Feldman Barrett's "Seven and a Half Lessons about Your Brain" is clear, quick and valuable. Car Zimmer's "Soul Made Flesh" explores the advances in conceptualizing what the mound of squishy stuff under the skull bones does. I read that Aristotle hypothesized that it acted as a radiator, cooling the body.
Professor Barrett has some excellent TED talks. One of them is "You Have More Control Over Your Emotions Than You Think"
It can be that sometime when you aren't in the mood for a walk or a movie, think of something that made you sad or happy or confused or whatever after watching Prof. Barrett.
