Gnothi Seauton!

A Dirge, And A Journey To Self-Discovery

The expression “Know Thyself” is imprinted on my arm forever. It’s a summon to the inner self to come out of its shell and be known to my day-to-day self. The day I got the tattoo my mental existence was Alice in wonderland chasing the white rabbit for answers. I was wrestling with questions that gnawed at my very identity: Who am I? Who am I becoming? What am I doing to truly understand myself?

Then I remembered a phrase from my favorite movie (The Matrix) “Temet Nosce” which means “know thyself”. From the first time I saw the movie I felt it was a challenge, a mantra, a north star I could not sway from. I had always wanted to swim in that philosophy. But on this day it was more, it was a reminder to get back on the train, on the journey to self-knowledge.

My curiosity led be down another rabbit hole, to trace the roots of this ancient aphorism. My internet search ended up with a hit about the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, where the words “Γνῶθι σαυτόν” (Know thyself) were famously inscribed. This simple, yet profound call to introspection has endured centuries, invoking deep reflection in philosophers, poets, and religious leaders alike. While there’s a lot of debate on its actual origin and usage the stoic interpretation resonates with me a lot. Here is an interesting quote attributed to Cicero:

“he who knows himself will first discover that he is “inspired by a divine principle”, and will then find all “the intelligible principles of things delineated, as it were, on his mind and soul”. This will assist him in the attainment of wisdom, which in turn will help him to be virtuous, and consequently happy.”

Cicero’s words spoke to my soul, presenting self-knowledge as the key to unlocking wisdom, virtue, and happiness. So that day, I decided I needed more than a mental note to remember this; I needed a physical, permanent reminder, a tattoo.

The experience of getting the tattoo was a ritual in itself. My tattoo artist, Simon — known by those who loved him as Soul Link — wasn’t just any artist. There was something almost otherworldly about the way he worked. As he etched the design into my skin, I could see him slipping into a zone where time seemed to dissolve. Every stroke was delivered with intention. He would occasionally check in, and then dive back into the art as if lost in a dance with the ink. He wasn’t just creating a tattoo; he was breathing life into a piece of my soul.

In the end something that stood out to me was the way he gazed at the finished piece. He saw something in it that I couldn’t fully see. It wasn’t just a tattoo to him; it was art imbued with meaning.

Simon passed away a few days ago, but his work, his energy, his soul, left a mark on my life and countless others that will never fade. His hands shaped a reminder of the importance of knowing oneself. And in doing so, I realized that the reminder wasn’t just in the ink on my skin — it was in Simon himself. He embodied the spirit of the phrase, living his art with such passion and depth that it inspired everyone around him to see more clearly who they were.

So here’s to Simon, A.K.A Soul Link. Your artistry transcended the physical; your soul truly linked with the hearts of those you touched. In your memory, we continue the journey of self-discovery, striving to know ourselves as deeply as you knew your craft.

Γνῶθι σαυτόν !