This text explores the fundamental duty of a philosopher: the constant readiness for critical reflection, particularly directed toward one's own intellectual achievements. The author emphasizes that self-criticism is not an innate ability but a skill that must be gradually acquired through the study and inspiration of great thinkers. This specific intellectual orientation, rooted in ancient Greece, represents a unique phenomenon in human history. The purpose of such reflection is not to undermine foundational principles but to purify them by identifying and eliminating errors. Furthermore, the text argues that the European tradition of critical reflection possesses a universal character, making it accessible to all cultural spheres. For any tradition, adopting the method of critical reflection is presented as a vital means of self-preservation. Without the capacity for self-reflection, traditions risk survival only as marginal relics or prejudices, as the pursuit of truth inherently requires the systematic overcoming of misconceptions and errors.