The Care of the Self (Foucault)

"The Care of the Self," by Michel Foucault, explores how individuals in ancient times practiced self-awareness and self-management as a form of personal and ethical development. He examines how people engaged in techniques like reflection, self-discipline, and philosophical reflection to shape their character and morality. Foucault highlights that caring for oneself was seen as an active, deliberate process of understanding and cultivating one’s mind and behavior, emphasizing that personal growth and ethical living involve ongoing self-examination and intentionality. This work sheds light on the historical roots of modern ideas about self-improvement and ethical self-care.