Carved into the forecourt of the temple of Apollo in Delphi are the Greek words translated into English as -- "Know Thyself." Here is a picture of the same aphorism in a modern European building.
It is disputed as to who is the author of this truism. Some attribute the words to Socrates, others to Pythagoras. Some ascribe lofty meaninds while most suggest that what was intended was simply to declare that we must know our habits, morals, temperament, ability to handle emotions, our talents and skills, our shortcomings, and a host of other issues in life with which we deal constantly.
The challenge to "Know Thyself" inspired both Ralph Waldo Emerson and Alexander Pope to pen poetry, is used as the motto for a liberal arts college in upstate New York ,and even found its way into the movie, The Matrix.
Many scholars, sages, political figures and philosophers have expressed themselves on the idea of "Know Thyself." Here are a few samples.
* Thoreau said it is as hard to see one's self as to look backwards without turning around!
* The first principle is that you must not fool yourself--- and you are the easiest person to fool. Richard Feynman
* There is more hope for a fool than there is for a man wise in his own eyes. Book of Proverbs, author Solomon
* Be a first rate version of yourself, not a second rate version of someone else. Judy Garland
* So long as you are praised think only that you are not yet on your own path but on that of another. Nietzsche
* Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves. Carl Jung
* The fool doth think he is wise, but the wise man knows himself to be a fool. Wm Shakespeare
* If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed. Kate Halverson
* You grow up the day you have your first real laugh--- at yourself! Ethel Barrymore
* No one can make you feel inferior without your consent. Eleanor Roosevelt
* Blessed are they who heal you of self despisings. Of all services which can be done to man, I know of none more precious. William Hale White
* No bird soars too high if he soars on his own wings. William Blake
These statements show that there is a balance we must find. On the one hand some of us loathe ourselves at worst or at best, look down on ourselves and keep wishing we were someone else. But on the otherhand are those who think more highly of themselves than they ought to think. Such an attitude will not win popularity contests for ourselves either. Someone said that he who is in love with himself will have no rivals. It is balance we need here!
One of the most basic features of life coaching is to assist persons to know themselves and to know contentment in so doing. Coaching is not about trying to make a person into someone he or she was never intended to be. It is rather designed to help a man or woman know him or herself and then to help that person live up to the fullest potential of who they are. Coaching helps people accomplish their own goals. It does not impose someone else's goals upon them. Coaching encourages and motivates people upward to achieve their fullest potential.
How incredibly liberating it is when we learn to know who we are and cease trying to emulate someone else. We spend a lot of time chasing after the looks, styles, and skills of others. We emulate other musicians, athletes, preachers, executives, and so on. How foolish! A friend who followed a respected leader was reminded that he had "big shoes" to fill. He replied, "His shoes won't fit me. I have my own shoes!" That is knowing yourself.
If you want to learn more about who you are, what makes you tick, and what makes you want to get up in the morning and face the world, -- then give me a call! That is what coaches help people to do.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this newsletter. If someone comes to mind who you feel might enjoy it also, please feel free to forward it.
Rick Penner
Copyright, 2007
learn more about our services at www.icarecoaching.com
