Man Know Thyself
Man Know Thyself
~ 5 ~
of people’s conversation and the true purpose of
their meetings with one another? What interests
them most? To what use are their finest talents and
resources put? What has this exuberant person
obtained that has thrilled him so, and what has that
dejected face been deprived of that it has so stricken
a look? What have people taken with them, from
their homes, and what do they intend to return
with? If you can answer these questions,—judging
from the nature of people’s preoccupations, the
sounds they emit, their agitation and quiescence—
you will also be able to deduce exactly what it is
that mankind has chosen to base his life on, and
what he is endeavouring to achieve. It is plain for
all to see from the constant procession of people to
and from the towns and their continuous comings
and goings on the crowded streets that today’s
human being is simply running after the satisfaction
of his own desires. It is the world rather than the
afterlife which he is eager to obtain. His happiness
hinges on the fulfillment of his worldly ambitions,
while his grief stems from the fact that this
seemingly eludes him. The everyday concept of
success is the immediate acquisition of
commodities, and the enjoyment of leisure and
