"Know Thyself"

Assignment Five
March 10-- March 15
γνῶθι σεαυτόν

Know Thyself: These words, chiseled into the wall of the pronaos, the front porch, of Apollo’s temple at Delphi, describe a key idea about the importance of introspection and self-knowledge.

What does it mean to know yourself?

Assignment

In your blog, answer the following questions, each in a separate paragraph (or series of paragraphs).  Use both textual evidence as well as anecdotal evidence (where appropriate) to illustrate your answers.

1. Explain what it means to know oneself; and discuss the value of this self-knowledge.
2. Using Oedipus Rex, explain what the cost of not being aware of one’s past means to an individual and his/her understanding of his/her own identity;
3. Discuss what you believe is your own weakness (or worst quality) and explain what, if anything, you have done to combat this weakness.
4. Discuss what you believe to be your strength (or best quality). Don’t be modest here, just honest.
5. End by reflecting on what makes it so hard to think– and write– about one’s own weaknesses and strengths. How do you feel about having to do this? Why? Explain.