Innocent yet skeptic seekers often asked is self realization possible and my answer always would be yes, it is possible to reach state of self realization in present Kali Yuga (Dark Age).
Why must we question the age-old practice of reaching state of self realization, god realization when we have examples of two luminaries before us Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa and Maharshi Ramana, the two self realized souls who succeeded in reaching God in their lifetime.
In present Kali Yuga no doubt self realization is difficult to achieve yet not impossible. Self realization demands indulgence in path of jnana yoga (absolute wisdom) that seems difficult to most in present times. Furthermore path of jnana yoga demands indulgence in contemplation (chintan) to reach the hidden underlying meaning of sacred texts of different religions of world.
It is indulgence in contemplation which most human beings world wide found difficult in practice.
Self realization also demands practicing absolute celibacy for a minimum period of 12 years in continuation of which physical aspect of celibacy constituted hardly 10% of total job. Physical abstention from sexual indulgence mattered little compared to mental celibacy. Eradicating flow of negative thoughts to our brain in totality is what absolute celibacy all about.
Such a demand, such a practice to most human beings world over seemed impossible in practice.
On path of absolute celibacy not a single lapse in 12 years is permitted. Sage Vishwamitra, a highly accomplished Sage of his era on sighting a maiden woman taking Bath in forlorn circumstances in deep dense jungles (forests) fell from grace, he had to repeat practice of absolute celibacy all over again.
Self realization in present times of strife, tribulation is possible but demands highest level of patience, persistence and perseverance that could ever be practiced by mankind. Only one, of the level of Swami Vivekananda can succeed in such an attempt. Does this mean we need becoming a Swami Vivekananda in real life to reach state of self realization yes, facts say so.