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Single Idea 21422

[catalogued under 1. Philosophy / A. Wisdom / 1. Nature of Wisdom]

Full Idea

Moral self-knowledge, which seeks to penetrate into the depths (the abyss) of one's heart that are quite difficult to fathom, is the beginning of all human wisdom.

Gist of Idea

Moral self-knowledge is the beginning of all human wisdom

Source

Immanuel Kant (Metaphysics of Morals II:Doctrine of Virtue [1797], 441 I.I)

A Reaction

I'm not clear what I am supposed to be looking for on this quest. I'm guessing that being completely honest about one's own maxims in moral action would be a good start. And maybe confronting one's murkier desires.

Book Reference

Kant,Immanuel: 'The Metaphysics of Morals', ed/tr. Gregor,Mary [CUP 1991], p.236

Related Idea

Idea 519 One must avoid even speaking of evil deeds [Democritus (attr)]