In the Vedic tradition, whenever divine knowledge is imparted, it usually begins with knowledge of the self. If you ever come to know who I am, please let me know.” That man blurted in annoyance, “Can’t you see where you walk? Who are you?” Socrates answered with amusement, “My dear fellow, I have been pondering over that question for the last forty years. Once, Socrates was walking on the street, absorbed in deep philosophic contemplation, when he accidentally bumped into someone. ” Even Socrates, the wise old man of Athens, was fond of encouraging people to inquire into the nature of the self. On the gate of the temple of Apollo at Delphi are inscribed the words, Gnothi Seuton, or “Know Thyself.
