"Knowing others is wisdom, knowing yourself is Enlightenment"
- Lao Tzu
About this Quote
This quote by Lao Tzu talks to the significance of self-awareness and understanding. Knowing others is a type of wisdom, as it needs us to be observant and to understand the motivations and viewpoints of those around us. However, understanding oneself is a higher type of knowledge, as it needs us to look inward and to comprehend our own motivations, worths, and beliefs. This knowledge of oneself is what Lao Tzu calls Enlightenment, as it enables us to be in tune with our own inner reality and to make choices that are in line with our worths. This quote motivates us to take the time to review ourselves and to gain a much deeper understanding of who we are and what we represent. By doing so, we can become more informed and make decisions that remain in line with our real selves.
"Raising children is an incredibly hard and risky business in which no cumulative wisdom is gained: each generation repeats the mistakes the previous one made"
"The man who makes everything that leads to happiness depends upon himself, and not upon other men, has adopted the very best plan for living happily. This is the man of moderation, the man of manly character and of wisdom"
