--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When you know yourself you are surprised…" description: "\"When you know yourself you are surprised that what is the greatest thing for you is to love and to be loved.\" — Nirmala Srivastava" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a15/nirmala-srivastava-1048_know-yourself_when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised_1300731.png" --- # When you know yourself you are surprised that what is the… ![“When you know yourself you are surprised that what is the greatest thing for you is to love and to be loved.” quote by Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a15/nirmala-srivastava-1048_know-yourself_when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised_1300731.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a15/nirmala-srivastava-1048_know-yourself_when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised_1300731.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a15/nirmala-srivastava-1048_know-yourself_when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised_1300731.png) > “When you know yourself you are surprised that what is the greatest thing for you is to love and to be loved.” [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) ## 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 reveals that love—giving and receiving—is life's highest purpose. **In simple terms:** Knowing yourself shows love is essential. Key Takeaway Seek love for yourself and others. Themes self‑knowledge love purpose Mood reflective optimistic Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - personal growth - counseling - community building Key Concepts philosophy psychology spirituality Questions to Reflect On - What does loving yourself look like? - How can you give love without losing self? A Different Perspective Love can be complicated by fear or past hurt. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Know Surprised](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/know-surprised-484559/) [Know yourself](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/know-yourself/) [Knows](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/knows/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Meditation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meditation/) [Spirit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spirit/) [Surprised](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surprised/) [Surprised Greatest](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/surprised-greatest-265187/) [Thing Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thing-love/) [Wellness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wellness/) [Wisdom](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wisdom/) [Yoga](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/yoga/) ## Related quotes > [I'd be very surprised if 'The Greatest Showman' didn't end up on Broadway at some point.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-gracey/i-d-be-very-surprised-if-the-greatest-showman-didn-t-end-up-on/) [Michael Gracey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-gracey/) > [A lot of people tell me, once they get to know me, that they're surprised that I'm nothing like they think I'll be.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/miranda-lambert/a-lot-of-people-tell-me-once-they-get-to-know-me-that-they-re/) [Miranda Lambert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/miranda-lambert/) > [You're surprised by something, but you don't really know what surprised you; you recognize someone, but you don't really know what cues cause you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daniel-kahneman/you-re-surprised-by-something-but-you-don-t-really-know-what/) [Daniel Kahneman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-kahneman/) > [The only way one can really understand what we are is by knowing yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/the-only-way-one-can-really-understand-what-we-are-is-by-knowing/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [The Spirit which is within you is a collective being and once you are awakened into the light of Spirit, you become a collective…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/the-spirit-which-is-within-you-is-a-collective-being-and-once-you-are/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [“I don’t know who was more surprised, her or me.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/g-l-snodgrass/i-don-t-know-who-was-more-surprised-her-or-me/) [G.L. Snodgrass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/g-l-snodgrass/) > [“Believe me, folks, we do not know it all, and no one should be surprised at that revelation.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/james-bunnell/believe-me-folks-we-do-not-know-it-all-and-no-one-should-be-surprised/) [James Bunnell](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-bunnell/) > [People who think they know me would be surprised that my whole life doesn't revolve around sex,](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sherilyn-fenn/people-who-think-they-know-me-would-be-surprised-that-my-whole-life/) [Sherilyn Fenn](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sherilyn-fenn/) > [But people who do not know me are surprised to see me as a real person I guess.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christina-milian/but-people-who-do-not-know-me-are-surprised-to-see-me-as-a-real/) [Christina Milian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christina-milian/) > [“Sometimes we need to let go of what we know so we can be surprised by what we don’t know. Perpetual”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/liz-wiseman/sometimes-we-need-to-let-go-of-what-we-know-so-we-can-be-surprised-by/) [Liz Wiseman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/liz-wiseman/) > [“Do not assume to know. You will be surprised to realize you were ignorant all along.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/naide-p-obiang/do-not-assume-to-know-you-will-be-surprised-to-realize-you-were/) [Naide P Obiang](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/naide-p-obiang/) > [When writing 'Behind the Mask,' I opened up on every level. Hopefully, even the more knowledgeable fans, who really know me, will be surprised…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rey-mysterio/when-writing-behind-the-mask-i-opened-up-on-every-level-hopefully/) [Rey Mysterio](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rey-mysterio/) > [The wisdom or the essence of Guru Tattwa is a balance. Like when you maintain a plant, if you do not give it water…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/the-wisdom-or-the-essence-of-guru-tattwa-is-a-balance-like-when-you/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [As in any machine, all the wires must be connected to the mains through one main wire. In the same way, you all must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/as-in-any-machine-all-the-wires-must-be-connected-to-the-mains/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [Unless and until you introspect you cannot even respect yourself. You cannot even love yourself. If you love yourself you will introspect and find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/unless-and-until-you-introspect-you-cannot-even-respect-yourself-you/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) ## More by Nirmala Srivastava > [Unless and until you introspect you cannot even respect yourself. You cannot even love yourself. If you love yourself you will introspect and find…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/unless-and-until-you-introspect-you-cannot-even-respect-yourself-you/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [As in any machine, all the wires must be connected to the mains through one main wire. In the same way, you all must…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/as-in-any-machine-all-the-wires-must-be-connected-to-the-mains/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [Now the stage today is to know that Self Realization gives you experiences and then your faith is established. Not blind but open enlightened…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/now-the-stage-today-is-to-know-that-self-realization-gives-you/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [The wisdom or the essence of Guru Tattwa is a balance. Like when you maintain a plant, if you do not give it water…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/the-wisdom-or-the-essence-of-guru-tattwa-is-a-balance-like-when-you/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [Through Sahaja Yoga what happens to you, that you become a collective personality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/through-sahaja-yoga-what-happens-to-you-that-you-become-a-collective/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [Politicians should be dedicated to the welfare of the people, but sometimes politics becomes like a game of chess, in which the sole aim…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/politicians-should-be-dedicated-to-the-welfare-of-the-people-but/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [Wisdom can only come through honest introspection.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/wisdom-can-only-come-through-honest-introspection/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [What do you have to surrender? A drop has to dissolve into the ocean to become the ocean. And a drop cannot be greater…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/what-do-you-have-to-surrender-a-drop-has-to-dissolve-into-the-ocean/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [To be generous is the best way to live in this world.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/to-be-generous-is-the-best-way-to-live-in-this-world/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [When we are not realized, we are moving on the periphery, like a wheel and we are disturbed. But a realized soul is on…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/when-we-are-not-realized-we-are-moving-on-the-periphery-like-a-wheel/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [Ego and conditionings are created by mind, which is a myth.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/ego-and-conditionings-are-created-by-mind-which-is-a-myth/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [Love is not something dead, like a stone. When it melts, it encompasses everything.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/love-is-not-something-dead-like-a-stone-when-it-melts-it-encompasses/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [Freedom is when you really get your own powers which are within you. In your central nervous system and in your conscious mind, you…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/freedom-is-when-you-really-get-your-own-powers-which-are-within-you/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [What is yoga ? In simple words, it is taking your attention to the Spirit. This is yoga. What does the kundalini do ?…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/what-is-yoga-in-simple-words-it-is-taking-your-attention-to-the/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) > [Before knowing the truth, if you depend on your intelligence, you can be misled completely. Intelligence that is without the spiritual insight is your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/before-knowing-the-truth-if-you-depend-on-your-intelligence-you-can/) [Nirmala Srivastava](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) [Explore all 302 Nirmala Srivastava quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/) ## More Know yourself quotes > [There is nothing to do, just be. Do nothing. Be. No climbing mountains and sitting in caves. I do not even say "be yourself"…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sri-nisargadatta-maharaj/there-is-nothing-to-do-just-be-do-nothing-be-no-climbing-mountains/) [Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sri-nisargadatta-maharaj/) > [I like René Descartes' theory about a ball of wax. You can change its form from solid to liquid, but it's still the same…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/emmy-rossum/i-like-ren-descartes-theory-about-a-ball-of-wax-you-can-change-its/) [Emmy Rossum](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/emmy-rossum/) > [In any competitive environment, whether you're in sales or marketing or whatever it is, you have to know your competition, understand who they are,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edwin-moses/in-any-competitive-environment-whether-you-re-in-sales-or-marketing/) [Edwin Moses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edwin-moses/) > [Use the creative process - singing, writing, art, dance, whatever - to get to know yourself better.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/catie-curtis/use-the-creative-process-singing-writing-art-dance-whatever-to-get-to/) [Catie Curtis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/catie-curtis/) > [I am neither especially clever nor especially gifted. I am only very, very curious.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/i-am-neither-especially-clever-nor-especially-gifted-i-am-only-very/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Know yourself to improve yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/auguste-comte/know-yourself-to-improve-yourself/) [Auguste Comte](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/auguste-comte/) > [You know yourself what you are worth in your own eyes; and at what price you will sell yourself. For men sell themselves at…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/epictetus/you-know-yourself-what-you-are-worth-in-your-own-eyes-and-at-what/) [Epictetus](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/epictetus/) > [Well, by now you must know yourself, honey, whatever you do, life don't stop. It only sits a minute and dreams a dream.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/grace-paley/well-by-now-you-must-know-yourself-honey-whatever-you-do-life-don-t/) [Grace Paley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/grace-paley/) > [You never really know yourself until you see yourself under pressure.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/joyce-meyer/you-never-really-know-yourself-until-you-see-yourself-under-pressure/) [Joyce Meyer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/joyce-meyer/) > [Are you going to go down on your knees and beg for your life, old one?" Abbot Mortimer stared calmly into Cluny's savage eye.…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/brian-jacques/are-you-going-to-go-down-on-your-knees-and-beg-for-your-life-old-one/) [Brian Jacques](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/brian-jacques/) > [“Do you know who your grand grand grand grand grand father is? Probably you don’t! If you want to know your very distant past,…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mehmet-murat-ildan/do-you-know-who-your-grand-grand-grand-grand-grand-father-is-probably/) [Mehmet Murat ildan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mehmet-murat-ildan/) > [“Fit yourself where you are before you fix yourself where you can be!”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/israelmore-ayivor/fit-yourself-where-you-are-before-you-fix-yourself-where-you-can-be/) [Israelmore Ayivor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/israelmore-ayivor/) > [Today, Jesus stands ready to hear your cry and to answer prayer for you. He is interested in every detail of your life. He…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathryn-kuhlman/today-jesus-stands-ready-to-hear-your-cry-and-to-answer-prayer-for/) [Kathryn Kuhlman](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathryn-kuhlman/) > [When you know yourself, your 'I'ness vanishes and you know that you and Allah are one and the same.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ibn-arabi/when-you-know-yourself-your-i-ness-vanishes-and-you-know-that-you-and/) [Ibn Arabi](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ibn-arabi/) > [You know yourself better than anyone and you have to trust that.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ruel/you-know-yourself-better-than-anyone-and-you-have-to-trust-that/) [Ruel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ruel/) [Browse all 364 Know yourself quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/know-yourself/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "When you know yourself you are surprised that what is the greatest thing for you is to love and to be loved.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Nirmala Srivastava" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised-that-what-is-the-greatest/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Know yourself" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised-that-what-is-the-greatest/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a15/nirmala-srivastava-1048_know-yourself_when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised_1300731.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a15/nirmala-srivastava-1048_know-yourself_when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised_1300731.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a15/nirmala-srivastava-1048_know-yourself_when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised_1300731.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“When you know yourself you are surprised that what is the greatest thing for you is to love and to be loved.” — Nirmala Srivastava", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Nirmala Srivastava", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/nirmala-srivastava/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "When you know yourself you are...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised-that-what-is-the-greatest/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/nirmala-srivastava/when-you-know-yourself-you-are-surprised-that-what-is-the-greatest/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```