Know-Your-Self
Exploring The Intersection Of Photography And Philosophy
“Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams …Who looks inside, awakes.”
—Dr. Carl Jung
Discover Your ‘Self’
--Through The Lens of Photography
This website explores the connection between philosophy (particularly the ancient Greek maxim, “Know Thyself”) and photography.
Photography is far more than just an art form; it is a powerful tool for knowing ourself more deeply and fully. By engaging with photography as a practice of seeing and reflection, we embark on a journey of self-discovery—one that deepens our self-awareness and leads to a more peaceful, joyful and fulfilling life.
The pursuit of self-knowledge has been a central theme in philosophy for millennia, emphasizing the importance of understanding ourself to experience life with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.
As Michel de Montaigne observed, “The greatest thing in the world is to know how to belong to oneself.”
The Greek philosopher Socrates went even further, declaring, “An unexamined life is not worth living.”
Philosophy
“To know yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”
—Aristotle
Photography
“The act of making a photograph is less a question of what is in front of you than what is inside of you."
-Galen Rowell, Photographer
4 Levels Of Self-Knowledge
SURFACE LEVEL – The awareness of our ‘self’ as it appears in daily life, shaped by social roles, personal habits, and external identity.
PSYCHOLOGICAL LEVEL– The exploration of our inner world, including emotions, subconscious drives, and the integration of our shadow self.
MORAL LEVEL – The recognition of our ethical responsibilities and values, leading to a greater awareness of our interconnectedness with others.
SPIRITUAL LEVEL – The understanding of ourself in the broader context of impermanence, transcendence, and the ever-changing nature of existence.
For a more complete understanding of
the four self-knowledge levels:
4 Tools Of Photography
EXPERIENCING AWE (Surface Level) – Capturing images of vast landscapes, intricate details, or profound human expressions allows us to step beyond the surface level and experience a connection to something greater.
INTEGRATING OUR SHADOW (Psychological Level) – Photography enables us to confront our subconscious, explore difficult emotions, and visually engage with the darker aspects of ourselves that we often suppress.
EMBRACING OUR CONNECTEDNESS (Moral Level) – Through portraiture, street photography, and storytelling, photography fosters empathy and a deeper recognition of our interconnected humanity.
ACCEPTING OUR IMPERMANENCE (Spiritual Level) – Every photograph captures a fleeting moment, reminding us of life’s transient nature and teaching us to embrace change with peace and gratitude.
For a more complete understanding
of the four photography tools:
Integrating Philosophy (Know-Your-Self) With Photography
We have a choice: we can live at the surface level of self—driven by habitual thoughts, feelings, and perceptions that perpetuate suffering—or we can embark on a journey to discover the deeper levels of self, leading to greater joy, compassion, and equanimity.
Most of us mistake the neuronally constructed image of our ‘self’ at the surface level for the totality of our true nature. The deeper aspects of self (beyond the surface level) are obscured by delusions, ignorance, and negative emotions. These mental afflictions arise from evolutionary processes that prioritize survival over clarity or happiness. While this has kept our species alive, it has also limited our potential for deeper fulfillment.
Breaking free from these habitual patterns requires courage and mindfulness. It can be uncomfortable to confront our deeper mental attitudes, but the discomfort of remaining trapped in them is far greater. The journey of self-discovery allows us to transcend these attitudes, moving with humility and honesty toward a more liberated and fulfilling life.
While other methods, such as meditation and psychedelics, can offer profound self-insight, this website focuses on how photography serves as a path for self-exploration.
Photography is not just about capturing images—it is a process of seeing, understanding, and reflecting on life itself. By combining the wisdom of philosophy with the creative act of photography, we cultivate a deeper awareness of who we are and how we can more completely experience the world.
May this journey be yours.
