“Know Thyself” is a great habit for all spheres of life #habits

23 Jun 2020 · 1 min

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Short YouTube talk by TJ Walker promoting the classical maxim 'know thyself' and applying it to modern life. Walker argues that self-awareness helps people set intrinsic goals rather than chasing others' expectations; he applies this to personal finance with the concrete example of avoiding expensive cars if one doesn't value driving or car status.

Chapters

Plato and many other ancient Greeks were fond of the expression know thyself. It was good advice then. It's good advice now too, and it applies to so many different spheres of life. For example Personal finance. So many people get into trouble because they're trying to please other people. They're looking at extrinsic goals other people have for themselves. For example, if you don't care about cars and you don't really like to drive, why spend a lot of money on a fancy new car just to improve? Impress other people? Buy a 5 year old used car that helps you get to where you want. Save that money. The more you know yourself and live your life by the goals you have for yourself and not for others, the better off you'll be with your personal finances and every other aspect of life.