"Only the shallow know themselves"

This quote by Oscar Wilde is a suggestion that true self-knowledge is often elusive. It recommends that those who believe they know themselves are only scratching the surface. They might be aware of their surface-level characteristics and choices, however they do not have a deeper understanding of their inspirations and the intricacies of their character. It suggests that real self-knowledge needs a determination to look beyond the superficial and explore the depths of one's inner self. It also recommends that those who want to do this will get a greater understanding of themselves and the world around them. Ultimately, this quote encourages us to look beyond the surface area and strive for a deeper understanding of ourselves.