ANSWER
The illusion of self-knowledge refers to the mistaken belief that we fully understand our own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. While we often assume we have direct access to our inner selves, psychological research shows that much of our mental life is unconscious or inaccessible. We construct narratives about ourselves that feel coherent but may be incomplete or even inaccurate. This illusion arises because introspection is limited, and we rely on biased interpretations of our behavior and emotions. Philosophers like David Hume and modern psychologists like Timothy Wilson highlight how our self-perception is often shaped by external influences, social norms, and post-hoc rationalizations rather than genuine self-awareness. Recognizing this illusion can lead to greater humility and openness to self-discovery.