Epictetus: 'Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.'

Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.

Epictetus, a Greek philosopher, offers profound wisdom in his quote, "Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly." This thought-provoking statement encourages us to delve deep within ourselves, unravel our true identities, and align our external appearance with our inner essence. At first glance, the quote seems like a simple reminder to be authentic and true to oneself. However, by introducing an unexpected philosophical concept, we can explore the complex layers of identity and self-expression.To understand the essence of Epictetus' quote, let us unravel its straightforward meaning. "Know, first, who you are" invites self-reflection and introspection. It prompts us to embark on an introspective journey, free from societal expectations and external influences, in order to truly understand our individuality. This necessitates a deep understanding of our values, passions, goals, and personal beliefs.By gaining this self-knowledge, we lay the foundation for the second part of the quote, "adorn yourself accordingly." Here, Epictetus urges us to embody our inner truths and project them outwardly. It suggests that our physical appearance, clothing choices, and overall presentation should be a genuine reflection of our inner selves. Adorning oneself is not merely about fashion or external aesthetics; it is about creating congruence between our inner and outer worlds.While Epictetus' quote holds significant value, let us delve deeper by exploring an unexpected philosophical concept that complements it – existentialism. Existentialism, a philosophical school of thought that emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries, delves into questions of individual existence, freedom, and choice. By introducing this notion, we can explore the fascinating intersection between self-knowledge and self-expression.Existentialism invites us to reflect on the nature of human existence and the freedom we possess to create our own meaning in life. It proposes that individuals must confront the inherent existential questions of their existence, such as the purpose of life, the existence of a higher power, and the meaning of their actions. In doing so, we develop a deeper understanding of who we are and our place in the world.Drawing parallels between Epictetus' quote and existentialism, we find that both philosophies emphasize self-knowledge and authenticity. Knowing oneself, as Epictetus suggests, involves understanding not only our preferences and desires but also grappling with our existential dilemmas. Through self-reflection, we gain clarity on our values, which then guide our choices, actions, and how we present ourselves to the world.Contrasting the two philosophies, we find that Epictetus' quote focuses primarily on self-expression through personal adornment, while existentialism offers a broader perspective on the search for meaning and autonomy in life. Epictetus urges us to align our external appearance with our inner identity, emphasizing the importance of congruity. On the other hand, existentialism examines the deeper significance of our actions and choices, ultimately highlighting the broader purpose of our existence.In conclusion, Epictetus' quote, "Know, first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly," encourages us to embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-expression. It reminds us to be true to ourselves and align our outward presentation with our inner essence. By intertwining this idea with existentialism, we explore the deeper layers of identity and self-knowledge, emphasizing the significance of understanding our existential dilemmas and the freedom of choice. So, let us take Epictetus' words to heart, delve within ourselves, and embrace the joyous authenticity that comes from adorning ourselves in the light of our true selves.