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.
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.