Socrates famously said that the unexamined life is not worth living. Even with his example in front of us it is not entirely clear what it would mean to live an examined life. Is an examined life necessarily a good life or a happy one? And what does an examined life demand of us? In this course we will read the autobiographies of monks, bohemians, artists, and obsessives, as well as the reflections of libertines and the politically committed--all in an effort to come to terms with what it means to live thoughtfully and with purpose. In the process we will explore the nature of autonomy, authenticity, freedom, vocation, commitment and happiness in a bid to launch you on your own pursuit of these very questions. Open only to first-year frosh.