Socrates belief about introspection

Socrates believed that an unexamined life was not worth living. To reach true happiness, he thought that one should examine who they are, where they came from, where they were going, what they believed, etc. Every aspect possible of the self should be known to that individual. Knowing his strengths and weaknesses would allow him a fuller understanding of the world around him and of other individuals. He also believed that this was the only way to come to the realization that he knew nothing at all. True wisdom, to him, was admitting his own ignorance and accepting it.

Socrates also believed that the soul was the true "self". The physical body was lesser and the most imperative thing was to care for the soul. Care for the soul could only be done by constantly learning and gaining wisdom since your intelligence reflected your views on the world and your values and wisdom. Your decisions are based upon wisdom which affects and reflects your soul. Therefore introspection is the clearest way to maintaining a healthy soul.

His concept of "know thyself" is not only one of his best known ideas but it is also the central basis for most of his philosophy.