Adulthood is a mystery. Having zero self-knowledge to face it is not a good idea. So, how could we learn?

Bringing a new series in 2024, "Self-Knowledge in 40 Images" is the first title The School of Life introduced for the "In 40 Images." This book is complementary to the previous "Self-Knowledge" book essay that was published in 2018. As the title has mentioned, there are 40 images to elaborate more about what the self-knowledge concept is.

The School of Life collaborated with photographers to choose 40 images that align with the self-knowledge concept and present them with a short essay. The reader would find the essay first before they see the image. That arrangement makes the images interpreted based on what the author wants. But still, readers can enjoy both essay and image slowly to be reflected to themselves.

I love how this book "explains" the self-knowledge concept with many aspects and points of view. Such as how to enjoy being old, how to not overthink something, about trauma and the process to overcome it. As The School of Life readers, it still has the touch of what I have been reading. And the images make the message even stronger and resonate more with my life.

I suggest you read it slowly, take a break, and ask yourself about the essay & the image. Does it resonate with you? Is it something that aligns with your values?

"Self-Knowledge in 40 Images" is not only a "picture book." It is something to be read over and over again every time we try to understand how our "self-knowledge" works.

(Thank you NetGalley and The School of Life for the ARC!).

I expected this to be more focused on the photos but there were serious essays with every picture. That made the experience more interesting and I'd recommend anyone reading this to go one picture at a time so you can think about the points being made. I'd recommend this as a coffee table book or as an adult bedtime book, so you can fall asleep contemplating confidence in your own life. Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this