Self-Knowledge as Wisdom

Knowing oneself is the beginning, the first step, toward wisdom.

Understanding one’s joy,

one’s sorrow,

one’s gifts,

and one’s needs.

Being able to recognize when one’s grumpiness is due to external factors

—the driver who cuts in front

—or to internal factors

—not enough sleep the night before.

But knowing is only the first step.

Next comes doing.

Responding to ones needs so as to live peaceably.

Searching out those elements that bring joy.

Each action toward self-health,

based on self-knowledge,

is another step toward wisdom.

And true wisdom is knowing oneself,

caring for oneself,

and expanding that knowledge to others.