"There is no self-knowledge but an historical one. No one knows what he himself is who does not know his fellow men, especially the most prominent one of the community, the master's master, the genius of the age"
- Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel
About this Quote
Karl Wilhelm Friedrich Schlegel's quote recommends that self-knowledge is only possible through understanding the history of one's community and also the people within it. He stresses the importance of recognizing the most prominent individual in the community, the "master's master" or the "brilliant of the age". He or she is the leader of the community and their activities and also decisions have a terrific influence on individuals around them. By comprehending he or she and their impact on the neighborhood, one can acquire a far better understanding of themselves as well as their area in the world. Schlegel's quote suggests that self-knowledge is not feasible without understanding the history of one's neighborhood as well as individuals within it. It is just via understanding individuals and events that have formed the neighborhood that can acquire a much better understanding of themselves as well as their area worldwide.
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