Editorial August 21, 1915 Issue

"Know thyself"

Annie M. Knott

The pronouncement of the ancient oracle, "Know thyself," takes on a new meaning for the student of Christian Science. To those outside of this teaching the knowing of one's self usually includes a knowledge of the bodily structure, also of the symptoms of disease to which it is supposedly subject, although it is true that many physicians to a large extent discourage efforts to acquire this sort of knowledge. They do so on the ground that it tends to make people morbid, also that a little knowledge is a dangerous thing; yet experience shows that further study along material lines does not make one "healthy, wealthy, and wise," but on the contrary induces fear of disease for one's self and others.

At the same time there can be no doubt that self-knowledge of the right kind is to be desired and sought after, both for the sake of our health and of our moral and spiritual progress. If, for instance, one is attacked by illness or trouble of any sort, a thorough acquaintance with one's mental and spiritual condition is the surest way to get at the root of the discord, and to learn wherein one has failed to respond to the spiritual law which ever makes for harmony.

For enlightenment along this line we cannot do better than to read and ponder our Leader's words at the beginning of the chapter Exemplification on page 86 of "Retrospection and Introspection." Before quoting with approval the motto already mentioned she says, "To energize wholesome spiritual warfare, to rebuke vainglory, to offset boastful emptiness, to crown patient toil, and rejoice in the spirit and power of Christian Science, we must ourselves be true." Then after bidding us become better acquainted with ourselves she says, "Note well the falsity of this mortal self!" She does not stop here, however, but says, "Cleanse every stain from this wanderer's soiled garments, wipe the dust from his feet and the tears from his eyes, that you may behold the real man, the fellow-saint of a holy household."

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