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.
Laozi Tao Te Ching, Chapter 33 (400 BCE) Translated by James Legge
Source checked by an editor
When and why it was written
- When
- From the Tao Te Ching, traditionally attributed to Laozi.
- Why
- The chapter compares outward skill with inward mastery.
What it means
Each pair raises the inner version above the outer one. Knowing others is useful; knowing yourself is wisdom.
Self-knowledge, in this view, is the harder and greater victory.
Our reading of the passage cited above, not a quotation from a commentary.
Read the source
Tao Te Ching, 400 BCE
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