yeah i agree and relate to this. because a lot of people put emphasis in how they think they're coming off towards others, what we do and how we react outside of our social comfort zone can be rewarding and insightful in terms of self image and self awareness.
with that said i don't think its the only way and that the ability to see one's true image objectively takes not only the knowledge of what to look for, but the ability to be openly curious about yourself, thus allowing any and all actions to be viewed as objective clues to the mystery that is you. i really just see it as an on going process that never really stops; writing, movies, music, all can be used as tools of self exploration depending on where our preferences lie, depending on how and what we ask ourselves.
Maybe he needs a little more time?