Self-insight is challenging due to the complexity of nature versus nurture and the underestimation of the impact of genetic factors. The speaker is intrigued by the misconception that success and being a good person are mutually exclusive. This curiosity drives the speaker's research and writing, as they seek to explore the possibility of avoiding this trade-off. The speaker acknowledges that while they have evidence-based answers on achieving success without sacrificing character, each answer leads to new questions. Growing up in an environment where highly successful people were not great role models and vice versa fueled the speaker's curiosity. The speaker also raises the notion that being an 'asshole' does not inherently lead to success but may garner more visibility in society.