Who am I?

Ever since we start to understand the world around us, the question “Who am I?” finds its way into our minds. It’s a question that can feel like a compass, quietly guiding how we decide, the relationships we make, and the goals we set. Carl Jung once said, "He who looks outside dreams; he who looks inside awakes." This idea nudges us inward, urging us to explore our own thoughts and feelings, to think about the “who,” “why,” and “for what purpose” in our lives. And yet, the search for answers doesn’t exactly follow a straight path—it shifts and unfolds over time, influenced by what we learn and experience.

Our sense of identity can be a lot like a river that’s always flowing, always changing. The philosopher Heraclitus once observed, "No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river, and he’s not the same man." Our sense of who we are changes with the passing days and with every new experience. Asking "Who am I?" isn’t something we do just once; it’s something we revisit, often uncovering aspects of ourselves that we hadn’t seen before.

The Search for Identity That Never Ends

As life unfolds, we come to see that identity isn’t carved in stone. It’s something that grows and changes as we encounter new things. Jean-Paul Sartre once said, "We are not what we do, but what we make of what we do." Our roles may shape us, but they don’t completely define us. Many people tie their identity closely to their careers. But is a job title really the answer to who we are, or is it just a part of the story? The pull to label ourselves by our work can be limiting.

In reality, who we are is a blend of so many parts—our experiences, our connections, our dreams. Psychologists say that while we develop a basic sense of self in our teenage years, it keeps changing as we go through life. Major events like losing someone, changing jobs, or ending a relationship can force us to rethink things, pushing us to see beyond the labels society puts on us.

The "Why" That Gives Purpose

Once we start to get a sense of who we are, the question of “why” often comes next. Purpose is what makes life feel meaningful. Friedrich Nietzsche summed it up well, saying, "He who has a why to live can bear almost any how." Without a strong sense of purpose, even small tasks can feel tiring. When our “why” is clear, it grounds us, especially in tough times. It’s what keeps us moving forward and helps us bounce back from setbacks.

Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, wrote about this in Man’s Search for Meaning. He explained how having even a small purpose—like the hope of reuniting with a loved one—gave people the strength to survive. Finding our own “why” can give us something to hold on to, something that keeps us going even when life gets rough.

Finding Our “For What” and the Direction of Our Journey

Then there’s the question of “for what.” It’s the broader vision of where we’re going, the reason behind our steps. This question can help us see our actions in a wider context, beyond just our own lives. Life can feel more meaningful when we have a bigger goal in mind. Each step we take might bring us closer to something larger—a personal achievement, a legacy, or even something that benefits others.

Experts say that having a purpose that goes beyond ourselves makes it easier to deal with challenges. Especially today, with work and life blending more than ever, our “for what” can steer us through decisions, reminding us that even if our goals shift, there’s still a bigger direction to follow.

The Challenge of Rediscovering Ourselves

Life is rarely straightforward, and sometimes we don’t have all the answers to these questions. Uncertainty and change are part of the journey. Ana?s Nin once said, "We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are." Our perception of “who we are” changes over time. Sometimes we feel sure of ourselves, while at other times, we feel like we’re on unfamiliar ground.

Rediscovering ourselves means being open to change, accepting that we’re always evolving. It’s about letting go of old versions of ourselves to make room for new ones. This can be unsettling, but it’s also what makes life interesting—always learning, always growing.

In Closing

The question “Who am I?” invites us to dive deeper into ourselves, making sense of our lives in a way that feels genuine. Socrates said it well: "The unexamined life is not worth living." Each of us needs the courage to face these essential questions. Identity, purpose, and direction may be complex, but they are what make life rich and meaningful. Each answer we find brings us closer to living in a way that feels real.

With these reflections, I hope each reader takes a moment to pause, to reconnect with the answers that bring purpose and meaning to their lives.

Author: Fabian Mesaglio