--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If, on the contrary, they hear from you…" description: "\"“If, on the contrary, they hear from you about themselves, they will be in no position to say, “The Lord is lying.” Is hearing the truth about oneself ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2fa/augustine-of-hippo-2589_knowing-oneself_if-on-the-contrary-they-hear-from-you-ab_247495.jpg" --- # If, on the contrary, they hear from you about themselves… ![“If, on the contrary, they hear from you about themselves, they will be in no position to say, “The Lord is lying.” Is hearing the truth about oneself from you anything different from knowing oneself? And can anyone have this self-knowledge and still protest, “It is not true,” unless he himself is…” quote by Augustine of Hippo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2fa/augustine-of-hippo-2589_knowing-oneself_if-on-the-contrary-they-hear-from-you-ab_247495.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2fa/augustine-of-hippo-2589_knowing-oneself_if-on-the-contrary-they-hear-from-you-ab_247495.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/2fa/augustine-of-hippo-2589_knowing-oneself_if-on-the-contrary-they-hear-from-you-ab_247495.jpg) > ““If, on the contrary, they hear from you about themselves, they will be in no position to say, “The Lord is lying.” Is hearing the truth about oneself from you anything different from knowing oneself? And can anyone have this self-knowledge and still protest, “It is not true,” unless he himself is lying?”” [Augustine of Hippo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/augustine-of-hippo/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Augustine questions whether hearing truth about oneself from another differs from self‑knowledge, and whether one can deny truth while being honest. **In simple terms:** Self‑knowledge and external truth are intertwined; denial may involve self‑deception. Key Takeaway Examine how you recognize truth in yourself and others. Themes philosophy theology self‑knowledge Mood contemplative inquisitive Type philosophical theological When to use this quote - personal reflection - spiritual counseling - ethical debate - self‑assessment Key Concepts truth self‑deception epistemology Questions to Reflect On - What does it mean to truly know yourself? - Can you be honest about yourself without self‑deception? A Different Perspective The discussion assumes a clear distinction between truth and lying, which can be philosophically contested. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Knowing oneself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knowing-oneself/) [Lying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lying/) [Self knowledge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/self-knowledge/) [Truth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/truth/) ## Related quotes > [Is it true that one travels in order to know mankind? It is easier to get to know other people at home, but abroad…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/franz-grillparzer/is-it-true-that-one-travels-in-order-to-know-mankind-it-is-easier-to/) [Franz Grillparzer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/franz-grillparzer/) > [Psychology is action, not thinking about oneself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/albert-camus/psychology-is-action-not-thinking-about-oneself/) [Albert Camus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/albert-camus/) > [Psychology is action, not thinking about oneself. 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