Understanding oneself is an integral process one needs to undergo to set direction for current and future actions and behaviors. It is important to be able to address issues about the self-philosophical, psychological, sociological, anthropological, and even the dilemma of viewing the self from the eastern and western perspectives-to define one''''s purpose and act acordingly. Nothing is more tragic than a confused person who does not know who he or she is and functions beneath his or her potentials. Just by looking around, one will find walking contradictions-a policeman behaving like a criminal, a father acting like his son, a teacher misbehaving like a student, or a sinner pretending to be a preacher. Answering basic riddles that confound the self such as "Who am I?" and "What am I doing here?" leads to a meaning in life, which in turn gives one purpose, and by extension, forms an accepted philosophy in life. The direction a person chooses may be based on working philosophies that serve as template or guide for appropriate actions and behaviors, and thus avoid contradictions and dejection. Understanding the Self presents a broad range of topics under the themes the self from various perspectives, deconstructing or unpacking the self, and managing and caring for the self. It must be emphasized that understanding the self is a multidisciplinary approach and endeavor, and that no discipline supersedes other disciplines in comprehending the self. Various perspective on the self, offering a wider view or even just a fragment or glimpse of oneself, are available at one''''s disposal. -The Authors