Know Thyself
This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man. ~William Shakespeare
Socrates knew that self-honesty seems to be one of the most important keys for human growth when he said, “Know Thyself.” I think about this subject often because I also desire a greater awareness to understand myself and to understand my fellow man.
“The admonition Know yourself was carved on the temple portal at Delphi, as testimony to a basic truth to be adopted as a minimal norm by those who seek to set themselves apart from the rest of creation as human beings, that is as those who know themselves“~ John Paul II. It is not an easy path when one first decides to live such a life, but one finds that the more one is committed to that principle, the easier and more enjoyable life seems to become. It is “easier,” because when practiced often, the pain and embarrassment to look within ourselves seems to diminish. It is “enjoyable,” because there is a certain amount of humor in being human. I am certain that each of us have found ourselves in embarrassing situations, and had a chuckle afterwards about our predicament.
Self-honesty, I believe, is a deeply spiritual principle. Spirituality is birthed forth in people who are not afraid to change and who are not timid in being authentic with everything and everyone in their lives. It is birthed from a desire to be, as one is, in the truest and finest form, energized by love with spiritual potential that is endless. I can not help but think about Christ Himself in the Garden of Gethsemane when he asked His Father if this cup could pass from Him, but because He had the insight of the much greater potential and purpose that was within Him, He quickly added, “Not my will, but Thine be done.”
On such a path of self examination and self-honesty, one begins to worry far less about what others think of them. They are far more focused on the condition of their own heart and their own motives. This path increases our joy as greater peace brings a heightened awareness that so much of the time spend on worries are truly wasted moments. Unlike love, prayer, devotion, kindness, and having good will towards all, worry is a weak energizer and does not possess the capability to bring lasting and positive changes into our lives.
Self-honesty has an interesting component to it in that it seems to be enlarging. Somehow, one will begin to look at things from a much broader perspective. Thus, in almost every part of one’s life - spiritually, emotionally, educationally, financially and even physically, one grows and one heals. Life becomes more simple, and so much falls by the way-side as the important from the unimportant is discerned. There simply is no end to the potential that self-honesty can bring into ones life.
William Shakespeare said it beautifully when he speaks of being true to oneself and our relationship with others: “Thou canst not be false to any man.” When we truly begin to be honest with ourselves, looking into the deepest corners of our hearts, and learn to deal kindly with ourselves, we begin to have greater compassion and kindness for others as well. It is a beautiful by-product of grace and love that extends itself outward to others. Thus, honest relationships are always the best because one does not have to be afraid and hide any longer but is free to be who they are. It is a liberating experience to find such freedom!
The “human condition” itself has great limitations. It is truly only through a spiritually energized life that grace is given to go beyond the limitations of being earth-bound… touching heavenly realms that bring deep meaning and comfort to life as one discovers the true Self within.
Know Thyself…and be at peace!
What amazes me about the principle of “know thyself” is that it is rather universal amongst the most compassionate, self-actualize striving, and in some ways, successful religions. I am not sure if it is in Islam since I have not researched that religion that much, but I have seen it promoted in esoteric Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism.
Nice article! I personally would have suggested more examples and elaborations on everything, but this critique is very minor.
Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
TheRadiantSeraphim
Comment by TheRadiantSeraphim — December 7, 2007 @ 4:40 pm
Wow! Too good. Its so true that worry is a weak energizer. I worry about many things in life and end up in a mess.
I shall work on to discover my true self. Thanks!
Comment by som — December 9, 2007 @ 4:39 am
” so much of the time spend on worries are truely wasted ” very well said … know thy self is true feast to my eyes as it conveys the true human condition… especially i must appreciate the affirmitive tone of writer in the last line , KNOW thy self n be at peace .. i wish we all can truely follow this tip .. preciousGem
Comment by preciousGem — December 13, 2007 @ 2:02 pm
Your story is a good analysis of how important it is to arrive at self-acceptance, which is really the only way to achieve honest discourse with self, which is the only way to add enlightened energy and contribute to a better world. A good read - thanks.
Comment by Milt — December 31, 2007 @ 3:32 am
If you haven’t already studied philosophy, it seems that is your path. What a great read!
Though I have studied those you quote all of my life, integrating your take on their impact on your evolving spiritual self, comforts me. As I enter my season of winter, it is affirming to know that there are indeed those who will remember the wisdom of the scholars, including the greatest among them, God.
Comment by Milt — January 6, 2008 @ 4:59 am
What a beautiful insight to the human heart and spirit. If only all of us could know ourselves and at last be at peace. wonderful write!
Comment by cinnamonspice — January 10, 2008 @ 6:42 pm
I have much I would like to say on this matter as it is something that I have been very interested in and have been struggling with for quite a few years now. There is a lot of truth in what you say, and it is written with compassion and without critisism. It is a message I think that many people could do with hearing.
Comment by Cparker — September 2, 2008 @ 11:37 pm