Self-aware
Awareness of the self is the surest sign of the emergence of consciousness. Before becoming self-aware, a brain acts robotically, reacting to its environment based on pre-programmed genetic algorithms we call instinct. It often returns to this state in moments of the mundane and habitual.
When the feedback loop of consciousness is fully developed, we become aware of our thoughts and see ourselves as a subjective being.
Self-awareness can also refer to the development of self-knowledge through the study of psychology or meditation.
Both forms of self-awareness should be encouraged.
True self-awareness also includes the awareness that we lack free will, and that we must structure our incentives in such a way that doing the right thing becomes the easiest choice.