He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened

Meaning: Understanding others requires wisdom, but self-knowledge is the highest form of understanding.

Origin: Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching, chapter 33, 6th century BC.

Translations

French: Celui qui connaît les autres est sage ; celui qui se connaît lui-même est éclairé (literally: He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened)
Spanish: El que conoce a los demás es sabio; el que se conoce a sí mismo está iluminado (literally: He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened)
Japanese: 他者を知る者は賢者、自分を知る者は悟者 (Tasha wo shiru mono wa kenja, jibun wo shiru mono wa satorisha) (literally: He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself has attained enlightenment)

Measure twice, cut once — Take time to plan carefully before acting, to avoid costly and irreversible mistakes.
The best mirror is an old friend — True friends who have known us for a long time see us most clearly and honestly.
He who fights with monsters should look to it that he does not become one — In struggling against evil, we risk adopting the very characteristics we oppose.
Wisdom begins in wonder — Curiosity and a sense of amazement at the world are the foundations of all knowledge.
He who is everywhere is nowhere — Trying to do too many things at once means accomplishing nothing properly.
Do not go where the path may lead; go where there is no path and leave a trail — True innovation and leadership mean forging your own way rather than following the crowd.

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