Socrates and Delphi’s “Know Thyself”

The Ancient Greek Temple Socrates Visited Every Morning Forget the classroom—Socrates got his best ideas

on his daily walk to a very special temple. Every morning, before questioning

everyone in Athens, he would visit the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. But he wasn't just

sightseeing. At the entrance, he’d stare at two famous words carved into the stone:

“Know Thyself.” This simple phrase became his entire life’s mission. Imagine the greatest

philosopher in history, getting his daily inspiration from a temple motto, like a ancient motivational

poster! What did he ponder there as the sun rose over the mountains? Did the priests

ever get annoyed by the curious man who asked too many questions before breakfast?