🗣️ Greece: “Know thyself”

Greek proverb · Europe

Γνῶθι σεαυτόν

gnōthi seauton

“Know thyself”

Insight into your own nature is the beginning of wisdom — inscribed at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi.

About this proverb

This saying belongs to the oral tradition of Greece, a country in Europe. Read the full collection of Greece proverbs, or explore the Proverbs of the World index.

Το μέτρον άριστον

to metron ariston

“The measure — moderation — is best”

Nothing in excess; moderation is the best policy — a core idea of Delphic wisdom.

Proverbs are traditional folk heritage (public domain); the translation and explanation are our own plain-English rendering. Stored statically.

Traditional sayings from around the world, each with its original wording, a romanisation, a plain-English translation and what it really means.

Folk wisdom from 6 Africa countries in the collection.

Folk wisdom from 4 Americas countries in the collection.

Folk wisdom from 12 Asia countries in the collection.

Folk wisdom from 15 Europe countries in the collection.

Folk wisdom from 2 Oceania countries in the collection.