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About this quote

What does it mean?
Only superficial people truly know themselves.
In plain terms
Shallow people think they understand themselves.
What can you take from it?
Depth often reveals unknown aspects of self.

Where it applies

  • during therapy
  • in personal growth

Putting it to work

  • journal regularly
  • seek feedback

Questions to consider

  • Why might depth obscure self‑knowledge?
  • Can shallow self‑knowledge be useful?

Another view

Some deep individuals have profound self‑awareness.

More from Oscar Wilde

  1. If one tells the truth, one is sure, sooner or later, to be found out.

    Permalink to quote #130
  2. In examinations the foolish ask questions that the wise cannot answer.

    Permalink to quote #132
  3. Religions die when they are proved to be true. Science is the record of dead religions.

    Permalink to quote #129

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