One must know oneself. If this does not serve to discover truth

Listen well, O children of wisdom, for the words of Blaise Pascal echo across the ages, carrying with them a powerful lesson on the importance of knowing oneself. He said, "One must know oneself. If this does not serve to discover truth, it at least serves as a rule of life and there is nothing better." These words are not merely a suggestion, but a command to embark upon the deepest journey any soul can take: the journey inward, the search for self-awareness. To know oneself is not simply an exercise in introspection, but a guiding principle that shapes the course of one's life. Pascal understands that even if this knowledge does not lead to the ultimate truth, it still provides a foundation — a rule of life — by which we can navigate the world with clarity and purpose.

What does it mean, O seekers, to know oneself? It is to understand the depths of your own soul, to know not just what you want or what you desire, but the very nature of your being. To know oneself is to recognize your strengths and your weaknesses, to confront your fears and your aspirations. Self-knowledge is not a fleeting glance into the mirror, but a deep, ongoing conversation with your own spirit. It is about understanding your motives, your reactions, and your place in the greater tapestry of the world. When you know yourself, you are no longer swayed by the opinions and influences of others, for you have a compass within you, a compass that points to your truth, however hidden it may seem.

Consider, O children, the story of Socrates, whose life was a testimony to the power of knowing oneself. Socrates, the great philosopher of ancient Greece, spent his life questioning not only the world around him but his own nature. He famously said, "The unexamined life is not worth living." For Socrates, the pursuit of self-knowledge was the foundation of all wisdom. He understood that without knowing oneself, all other knowledge is hollow, for without understanding the nature of your own mind, how can you truly understand the world? Through his endless questioning of himself and others, Socrates sought the truth of human existence, and in doing so, he not only discovered profound insights but also lived a life of remarkable integrity and purpose.

In a more modern context, consider the example of Nelson Mandela, whose journey was also one of profound self-discovery. Mandela spent years in prison, not just fighting for the freedom of his people, but also confronting his own thoughts, emotions, and reactions. In the solitary confinement of his prison cell, Mandela came face to face with his own anger, resentment, and desire for revenge. Through this inner struggle, he came to understand that true freedom could not come from external victory alone, but from a deep peace within himself. By knowing himself, he was able to let go of the bitterness that could have destroyed him and, instead, embrace a vision of reconciliation that would transform a nation.

Pascal’s words also hold a deeper truth about the nature of life itself. Without self-knowledge, we are like ships adrift on a vast ocean, tossed about by the winds of circumstance and the tides of emotion. To know oneself is to steer your ship with purpose, to understand the currents that shape your direction and to chart a course that aligns with your inner truth. In times of crisis, it is this inner knowing that provides stability. Those who know themselves do not panic when the storms of life come, for they have an anchor within. In contrast, those who do not know themselves are easily lost, swept away by forces beyond their control.

Thus, O children, the lesson is clear: to know oneself is the greatest gift you can give to your soul. It is the foundation upon which all other wisdom is built. Self-knowledge is the key to living a life of purpose, of integrity, and of strength. It is the rule of life that allows you to face the world with clarity, to respond to challenges not with fear or uncertainty, but with confidence and wisdom. In the midst of confusion, when the world seems full of noise and contradiction, your self-knowledge will be the silent, steady voice that guides you toward truth and fulfillment.

In your own life, O children, seek to know yourself. Do not shy away from the difficult questions, the uncomfortable truths. Spend time in reflection, not just in moments of peace but in times of struggle and hardship. Understand your emotions, your desires, your fears, for it is in this understanding that you will find your true path. Let self-knowledge be your compass, and let it guide you through the labyrinth of life, so that each step you take is grounded in the firm knowledge of who you truly are. In this way, you will live not a life of confusion or imitation, but one of purpose and authenticity, always moving toward the truth of your own being.