Γνῶθι σεαυτόν
Gnōthi seauton
“Know thyself.”
Inscription at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi
What does “Gnōthi seauton” mean?
Understand who you are – your limits, your motives and your place in the world. For the Greeks it was also a warning: remember that you are a mortal, not a god.
The story behind it
The words were carved at the entrance of Apollo’s temple at Delphi, where Greeks came to consult the oracle; ancient writers such as Pausanias mention the inscription. Socrates made the maxim the heart of his philosophy, and it has been quoted ever since.
From Greek to Latin
Gnōthi seauton
Roman writers translated it as nosce te ipsum; the shorter temet nosce is also used.
How to say it
Roughly GNO-thee seh-ow-TON (Classical Greek). In Modern Greek it sounds like GNO-thee seh-af-TON.
How to use it today
A classic motto for a tattoo, a study wall, a coaching practice or a psychology graduation card.
- Greek
- Γνῶθι σεαυτόν
- Transliteration
- Gnōthi seauton
- English
- Know thyself.
- Latin
- Nosce te ipsum
- Source
- Inscription at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi
One Latin line. Every Monday.
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