He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is… — Lao Tzu · Smartyfair

He who knows other men is discerning; he who knows himself is intelligent.

Lao Tzuphilosopher · Ancient China (traditionally 6th century BC)Lao Tzu was an ancient Chinese philosopher believed to have written the Tao Te Ching, a book about living simply and in harmony with nature — today considered one of the most translated books in the world, second only to the Bible.8 quotes

Source foundWisdomAncient

In plain words

Understanding other people is clever. Understanding yourself is wiser.

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Where these words come from

How sure this is: 90% sureThese words were traced back to where they first appeared. That source is listed below.
What turned up: Tao Te Ching, ch. 33, Legge translation, 1891 (Sacred Books of the East, via Wikisource).
Work: Tao Te Ching
Occasion: 6th century BCE (traditional) · China · chapter 33, on self-knowledge
Sources checked: en.wikisource.orgChecked using claude-sonnet-5, 21 August 2026Fetched; confirmed verbatim opening clause of ch. 33, no bracket insertions in this clause

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More from Lao Tzu

Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.

Lao Tzu A violent wind does not outlast the morning; a squall of rain does not outlast the day. Such is the course of Nature.

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Lao Tzu To those who are good, I am good; and to those who are not good, I am also good; and thus all get to be good.

More on wisdom

In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity.

Sun Tzu The wound is the place where the light enters you.

Rumi You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.

Marcus Aurelius Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.

Marcus Aurelius An unexamined life is not worth living.

Socrates Wonder is the feeling of a philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder.