Common Quote by Socrates
“I must first know myself, as the Delphian inscription says; to be curious about that which is not my concern, while I am still in ignorance of my own self, would be ridiculous. And therefore I bid farewell to all this; the common opinion is enough for me. For, as I was saying, I want to know not about this, but about myself: am I a monster more complicated and swollen with passion than the serpent Typho, or a creature of a gentler and simpler sort, to whom Nature has given a diviner and lowlier destiny?”
About This Quote
The speaker emphasizes self‑knowledge over external opinions, urging introspection to avoid ignorance about one's own nature.
In simple terms: Know yourself before judging others.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize self‑reflection.
Themes
self‑knowledge
philosophy
humility
identity
introspection
Mood
inquisitive
philosophical
introspective
Type
advice
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- therapy
- education
- leadership development
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
Socratic method
self‑awareness
epistemology
Questions to Reflect On
- What aspects of yourself remain unknown?
- How does self‑knowledge affect your actions?
A Different Perspective
The focus on self may neglect social responsibility.
![“Freedom from ignorance of the Self is the intent moksha (bhaav-moksha) and then comes [into effect] the actual moksha (drayva-moksha).” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0a2/dada-bhagwan-31_freedom_freedom-from-ignorance-of-the-self-is-th_701668.jpg)
![“The actions carried out with ignorance of the Self [agnan bhaav, ignorance intent] is all bondage. Every action done with the awareness of I am pure Soul [gnan bhaav, knowledge intent], will grant liberation.” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/0e9/dada-bhagwan-31_freedom_the-actions-carried-out-with-ignorance-o_674672.jpg)
![“The beginning [of a journey] is a terrible time to plan. It's the moment of greatest ignorance. In self-directed education, a lot of the value comes from exploiting opportunities that arise well out to sea, once I've seen some things and begun the learning process.” quote by James Marcus Bach](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/ae0/james-marcus-bach-59088_beginning_the-beginning-of-a-journey-is-a-terrible_214347.jpg)
![“Ignorance of one’s own Self’ is indeed the cause of the worldly life. No benefit is gained from one getting rid of his ignorance of the scriptures. When one attains the realization of one’s own self; that is it. It [the work] is finished.” quote by Dada Bhagwan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7dd/dada-bhagwan-31_bible_ignorance-of-one-s-own-self-is-indeed-th_192351.jpg)
![“Neither Italian fascism nor German national "socialism" have anything in common with such a [Soviet socialistic] society, primarily because private ownership of factories, plants, lands, banks, means of transportation, etc., remain untouched there, and, therefore, capitalism in Germany and Italy…” quote by Joseph Stalin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/411/joseph-stalin-1734_capitalism_neither-italian-fascism-nor-german-natio_1430.jpg)
