To know others, know yourself first.
To know others, know yourself first.
Meaning in plain English
Knowing oneself before others values self-awareness as part of understanding another person. The saying connects outward judgment with examining one’s own perspective.
Example
Someone considers how their own expectations shape a judgment and then asks about the other person’s circumstances.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
First is an ordering image rather than a requirement for complete self-knowledge before empathy. A useful interpretation considers assumptions and limits without treating personal experience as a full model of someone else’s life. Listening and evidence remain necessary.
When to use it
Use it to discuss self-reflection alongside contextual understanding.
Keep in mind
No complete knowledge of others from self-knowledge alone is established.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Country attributed by the collection
China · source-attributed; earliest origin unverified
- Source
- Contributor-provided wisdom reference
Supplied reference B; unit 282; PDF page 31; collection label: China
Reuse and collection notes ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · supplied collection
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Contributor-confirmed reuse permission
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
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