The Examined Life

The Examined Life is a nonfiction philosophy book by Stephen Grosz that explores human behaviour through real psychoanalytic case stories. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, Grosz presents short, accessible accounts of patients who struggle with grief, denial, fear, love, and self-deception. Each story illustrates how people often repeat patterns from their past without fully understanding why, and how insight can emerge through reflection and honest conversation. Thoughtful and engaging, the book focuses on self-awareness, emotional truth, and the hidden motivations behind everyday decisions, showing how examining one’s life can lead to greater clarity and change.