Know Yourself, Know Your Path

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.” — Aristotle

As rational beings, we have the unique ability to understand the world and act in good ways. We are born with certain qualities—some physical, like athleticism, and others psychological, like shyness—that tend to shape us throughout life. Chance also plays a role, affecting things beyond our control, such as our upbringing.

But it’s our will, our agency, that defines where we focus our attention and directs our decisions. For these reasons, it is essential to work hard to understand yourself—your nature, your tendencies, and your limitations—so you don’t unknowingly struggle against them. Self-awareness is key. Without it, you cannot live authentically or in harmony with who you truly are.