In "The Undiscovered Self," C.G. Jung emphasizes the distinction between self-knowledge and the awareness of one's conscious ego. He argues that many individuals mistakenly equate self-knowledge with a superficial understanding of their personality traits and behaviors, which are merely aspects of their ego. This limited view prevents a deeper exploration of the self and its complexities.

Jung suggests that genuine self-knowledge involves delving beyond the ego to uncover unconscious aspects of the psyche. He believes that this deeper understanding is crucial for personal growth and integration, allowing individuals to connect with their true selves rather than just the persona they project to the world.