Some people are inclined to contemplate the essence of their souls.
Others can live their entire lives – even lives of intellectual activity – without taking an interest in their souls at all.
These different attitudes are influenced by personality certainly, but also by our inner world of experiences.
Those whose lives are externally centered do not give their own souls much thought.
The more we are aware of inner experiences – such as love and hate, hope and despair – the greater the chance that these experiences will awaken some sort of awareness of the full depth and breadth of our souls.
–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz