--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: He who knows other men is discerning; he…" description: "\"“He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He w..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2c/lao-tzu-624_quote_he-who-knows-other-men-is-discerning-he_108505.jpg" --- # He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself… ![“He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will. He who does not fail in the requirements of his position…” quote by Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2c/lao-tzu-624_quote_he-who-knows-other-men-is-discerning-he_108505.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2c/lao-tzu-624_quote_he-who-knows-other-men-is-discerning-he_108505.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a2c/lao-tzu-624_quote_he-who-knows-other-men-is-discerning-he_108505.jpg) > ““He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent. He who overcomes others is strong; he who overcomes himself is mighty. He who is satisfied with his lot is rich; he who goes on acting with energy has a (firm) will. He who does not fail in the requirements of his position, continues long; he who dies and yet does not perish, has longevity.”” [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Self‑knowledge and self‑mastery are higher virtues than external insight or dominance. **In simple terms:** Know yourself to be truly strong. Key Takeaway Inner mastery outweighs outer power. Themes self‑awareness wisdom strength contentment Mood inspirational thoughtful Type philosophical maxim When to use this quote - personal development coaching - leadership training - mindfulness practice Key Concepts philosophical hierarchy virtue ethics Practical Applications - regular self‑reflection - set internal growth goals Questions to Reflect On - How can you measure mastery over yourself? - What external factors challenge self‑discipline? A Different Perspective The quote may idealize self‑control, overlooking external constraints that limit personal agency. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Discerning](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discerning/) [Discerning Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discerning-knows-1295476/) [Knows Intelligent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows-intelligent-1295477/) [Knows Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows-men-605085/) [Overcomes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/overcomes/) ## Related quotes > [“He who knows other men is discerning;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/he-who-knows-other-men-is-discerning/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“he who knows himself is intelligent.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/he-who-knows-himself-is-intelligent/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“God knows I'm not intelligent otherwise I'd be dead”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-beckett/god-knows-i-m-not-intelligent-otherwise-i-d-be-dead/) [Samuel Beckett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-beckett/) > [“The softest thing in the world dashes against and overcomes the hardest; that which has no (substantial) existence enters where there is no crevice.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/the-softest-thing-in-the-world-dashes-against-and-overcomes-the/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“He who overcomes others is strong;”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/he-who-overcomes-others-is-strong/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“he who overcomes himself is mighty.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/he-who-overcomes-himself-is-mighty/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“To illustrate from the case of all females:—the female always overcomes the male by her stillness.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/to-illustrate-from-the-case-of-all-females-the-female-always/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“The soft overcomes the hard; and the weak the strong.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/the-soft-overcomes-the-hard-and-the-weak-the-strong/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [Who knows why men do anything?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richard-adams/who-knows-why-men-do-anything/) [Richard Adams](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richard-adams/) > [“A woman who knows all about men usually knows one part very well and can't conceive the other parts, but that doesn't mean they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-steinbeck/a-woman-who-knows-all-about-men-usually-knows-one-part-very-well-and/) [John Steinbeck](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-steinbeck/) > [Everybody knows worse of himself than he knows of other men.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/samuel-johnson/everybody-knows-worse-of-himself-than-he-knows-of-other-men/) [Samuel Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-johnson/) > [“Why do the men come, do you suppose?" 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And then forget that you are there.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/just-remain-in-the-center-watching-and-then-forget-that-you-are-there/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“This is what is called 'The mysterious Quality' (of the Tao).”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lao-tzu/this-is-what-is-called-the-mysterious-quality-of-the-tao/) [Lao Tzu](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lao-tzu/) > [“If you show yourself, you will not be seen. If you affirm yourself, you will not shine. 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