autology

American  

[aw-tah-luh-jee] / ɔˈtɑ lə dʒi /

noun

1. the study of one's own self; the knowledge gained through self-study.

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Explanation

That friend who’s a little too self-absorbed might just have a fascination with autology — the study of oneself. The word autology comes from the Greek roots auto, meaning "self," and logos, meaning "study." It refers to the exploration or study of oneself, including traits, thoughts, and behaviors. Autology is often used in fields like psychology and philosophy to encourage self-awareness and personal growth. Whether journaling or reflecting on past decisions, engaging in autology is about better understanding yourself.