Single Idea 7543

[catalogued under 16. Persons / C. Self-Awareness / 2. Knowing the Self]

Full Idea

How can we learn self-knowledge? Never by taking thought, but rather by action. Try to do your duty and you'll soon discover what you're like.

Gist of Idea

We gain self-knowledge through action, not thought - especially when doing our duty

Source

Wolfgang von Goethe (Maxims and Reflections [1825], 442)

Book Reference

Goethe,J. Wolfgang: 'Maxims and Reflections' [Penguin 1840], p.57


A Reaction

Good! I even like the unfashionable bit about duty. If you just do what you want, you will discover your interests, but not so much about your capacities. However, when you have to do something less comfortable, it is very revealing.