KNOW THYSELF
Know Thyself… The quest to know one’s self began as a concept, and once in a while we allow it to surface and plague our head. But it seems to me to be a difficult subject that we always push aside and leave for another day. What day? When? We, the collective “we” simply do not know. I do not know. Perhaps never.
But I am, in fact, referring to an ancient aphorism that throughout history has been transmitted, from generation to generation, in one form or another. So I ask myself, what is it good for? Again I don’t know. My conclusion is that it could be something valuable or merely rubbish.
But since it…the aphorism, supposedly…comes from Ancient Greece I should consider it valid. No? Well, in my country there’s also an old saying that says that the devil is wise not because he is the devil but because he is old. If we have been told since ancient times that we must know ourselves, this knowledge is something imperative. It must be had. It must be gained. Or not.
But, caveat emptor, if you do decide to look inside and search for your inner self, lookout. Be aware that the result of that inquiry/investigation might not really make you happy. It is quite possible that you discover you are not much more than a cretin, or an idiot. And it is also quite possible that the devil is not wise because he is old but because he is the devil. Since we do not know, then everything is possible, no?
In any event, experts (good grief experts!) say that we must be conscious creatures who know full well what we are and who we are. To discover that we must endeavour to search diligently and bravely. That whatever the results of the search may be, we must accept them and as The Beatles said, let it be. The result of our deep and profound introspection is to assimilate the results of our soul search even if they lead us on a short, and straight road to a loony bin. We must dive into the abyss of the psyche…as the Ancient Greeks called the soul…and discover who we are.
Can this be the real meaning/purpose of life, to know ourselves?
Personally, after analysing this aphorism from various angles, instead of searching within myself, I prefer to instead ask myself, what is it good for? I do not believe that such a “psychological” epiphany will lead me to greater riches, fame or make me more good looking. And if it does not serve these purposes, or do these things which are crucial for modern life, then what is it good for? Well, guess what, I cannot answer that question either. I just do not know. All I know is that it may lead to a discovery that I may find atrocious, or one that I may find glorious? Hmm…
Now, since we are assured that ancient philosophers were indeed wise men, we confront our modern life and try to live according to their aphorisms. Their ancient words are considered valuable. Our modern society venerates old sayings to the point of practically considering them infallible truths.
And not only old sayings, we also value very highly what we consider to be a classical education. Our culture, after all, comes from Ancient Greece and Rome. We show off uttering something in Latin or Greek (or Chinese, Hindi, Hebrew or Arabic) even if we really don’t know what it means. To be consequential with how sophisticated and cultured we think we are, we attend concerts of classical music, sonatas, cantatas, opera. We sit in the theatre as the music flows through our bored out ears, but steadfast we remain. We stroll through museums admiring statues of Ancient Greeks and Romans standing there naked defying our new puritanical ways. We rummage through archaeological ruins et cetera et cetera.
But when we return home, tired of so many music conservatories, theatres, museums and archaeological sites, the only thing we want is a cold beer or a glass of Rioja, and perhaps, if you are Spanish, accompany our wine with chorizo, Iberian ham and Manchego cheese. No?
So, in my humble opinion, I would rather not know any more about myself and stay as I am, as I am happy. And I think I’ve a point as there is another old saying (at least in my country) that says that better to stick to the evil known than look for the good to be discovered. So, since I think like this, I am willing to leave my interior self wandering through the depths of my soul, at least for the time being. I don’t care to meet its acquaintance. I do not know about you, but I like the “me” I live with.
Francisco Bravo Cabrera – 04 DEC 2024 – Valencia, España
JaZzArt en València 
This is a Great reflection on the quest to know oneself, and I appreciate how you question its value, especially when it comes to personal happiness and what society expects of us. The idea of «Know thyself» has been passed down through generations as a way to seek wisdom. As a Christian, I also wonder what the real value of this knowledge is, especially since it doesn’t promise things like wealth, fame, or beauty. The Bible teaches that our true identity is found in Christ (Galatians 2:20), and that knowing ourselves is really about understanding our purpose in Him.
Great Post Brother.
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
We are made in God’s image, created, not evolved. What more do we need to know? Thank you Willie. All the best to you.
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Amen
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Wise words indeed, my friend. I often reflect, but even that can damaging sometimes. One must be prepared to accept some truths as they unfold. Thankfully, our God is merciful, understanding, loving, and kind.
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Amen my friend!
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Good words. I totally bought the closing paragraph as that’s what I was thinking all along midst to prospects of gloom and doom on discovery.
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Yes, absolutely! Thanks Espie and all the best!
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
There is a lot to ponder here.
But I do like your last line “I do not know about you, but I like the “me” I live with”. 🌻
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Thank you Sara. Yes, a lot to ponder but what else have we to do… all the best! 🙏🏻🌺🙏🏻
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
My pleasure, Francisco! Enjoy your afternoon. 🌻🙏
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
🌻🌞🌻
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
As if you’re having a war of words with Socratic tangles of thoughts in word games. I read like that. Do you know dear Francisco, you have already done your own voyage. In this World/Life, the most difficult journey is the journey within ourselves. Discovering yourself, coming to terms with yourself, weighing everything that has happened on your own scales… is not easy! We revolve around the layers of life. You must have the spirit of a happy artist who has made his own inner journey. You already admit this at the end of your article. I think the pieces are slowly falling into place at our age… Remember, according to Pythagoras, we are just becoming man (means to mature, to become fully human). And what did another philosopher say, all journeys that do not travel to oneself (inner) are in vain. Thank you, Love, nia
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Thank you Nia, so very much! You may be right, and I appreciate your insight. All the best.
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Nuestro “yo” nos tiene reservado el mejor viaje, al lugar mas recóndito de nosotros mismo y encontrarnos, cara s cara, con nuestra verdad. Excelente reflexión Francisco. Un abrazo
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Muchísimas gracias Manuel. Saludos y feliz tarde.
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Por nada Francisco. Los mismos deseos para ti.
Me gustaMe gusta
Knowing yourself is what many people think they do about themselves.
But when you want to know the truth about who you really are, you discover that who you think you are is all fake.
And knowing that and dealing with it afterwards is not something everyone can do.
The truth about your false self is not pleasant to experience, and not everyone can accept their dark side.
But for some it can be a revelation, and they accept it and learn to deal with it.
It’s a long painful road, but for some people it’s worth it.
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
Thank you!
Me gustaMe gusta
An interesting essay that I enjoyed reading. Thank you for sharing.
Me gustaLe gusta a 2 personas
Thank you Michelle.
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona
The Self is that which knows. It cannot itself be known objectively. It is, as Alan Watts said, the knife that does not cut itself, the fire that does not burn itself. To «know» the Self is to be the Self.
All else is objective experience — appearances arising in Self, known by Self…
-✧✦☆❖◈❋✤☆✦-∞-♡-∞-✦☆✤❋◈❖☆✦✧-
Me gustaLe gusta a 2 personas
Thank you Graham.
Me gustaLe gusta a 1 persona