‘Will a self’ –

Active, successful natures act,
not according to the dictum
‘know thyself’,
but as if there hovered before them
the commandment:
will a self and thou shalt become a self…

Assorted Opinions and Maxims, by Nietzsche, trans. by R. J. Hollingdale, aphorism 366

Gnothi Seauton (γνῶθι σεαυτόν), “know thyself!” is reported to be one of the two maxims inscribed into the column at the entrance to the temple of Apollo at Delphi. I wonder if Nietzsche thought that knowledge of the self amounted to an endless search, not unlike attempting to peel an onion.  A self is always in process, subject to revision catalyzed by daily experience.

To the point, simply observe my changing states of emotion? Do something! Exercise of the will, not unlike cultivation of athletic or artistic prowess is endorsed. Knowing when to command and when to obey, how to coincide with the movement of one’s human nature, timing and risk are key to becoming the self that I am.

And you too!

A song, a song to accompany us while we proceed with this day!  Patience, by Guns N’ Roses.