Chapter 1: The Ancient Wisdom of Self-Improvement

During the peak of Ancient Greece, visitors to Delphi could explore the famous Temple of Apollo, established around 550 BCE. Sadly, it was demolished under the reign of Roman Emperor Theodosius I around 390 CE. Engraved on one of the temple's pillars were three guiding principles attributed to the esteemed Seven Sages of Greece:

1. Know thyself
2. Nothing in excess
3. Certainty brings ruin

Despite the passage of over two millennia since the temple's construction, these principles remain profoundly relevant today. In fact, in the absence of a personal framework, one could hardly find better guidance than these age-old maxims.

Know Thyself

Over the years, I've endeavored to explain the concept of self-improvement and personal development to countless individuals. The most succinct way to encapsulate it is this: self-improvement is fundamentally an ongoing journey of self-discovery.

We can only enhance what we truly comprehend. Yet many of us harbor misconceptions about our own identities. It's often through the quest for self-awareness that we uncover the very insights that can lead to significant personal advancement. This makes reflection a crucial component of the self-improvement journey. However, it also explains why many face frustration along this path.

Individuals may adopt productivity systems, establish impressive morning routines, and embrace positive affirmations. Yet, without a deep understanding of themselves, these efforts are unlikely to foster lasting growth. Given that circumstances are in constant flux, knowing oneself is not a one-time achievement. Instead, it is an ongoing process of learning, revising, and rediscovering personal truths. This underscores the importance of reflection; the less you know about yourself, the harder it becomes to trust in your ability to follow through on commitments. Without self-trust, the journey becomes exceedingly challenging.

Nothing in Excess

An age-old theory dating back to Aristotle posits that virtue exists as a balanced midpoint between two extremes. Both excess and deficiency can become liabilities.

For instance, courage lies between cowardice—the excessive avoidance of danger—and foolhardiness—recklessly diving into perilous situations. Similarly, when it comes to decision-making, acting impulsively can lead to mistakes, while excessive deliberation can result in missed opportunities.

While people generally acknowledge the pitfalls of excess, they often overlook that the opposite also holds true. We can easily slip into mindsets that advocate for severe self-restriction—no more this, no more that, never at all. Such a rigid approach can backfire, even with the best intentions.

Thus, rather than veering towards either extreme, aim for moderation. Practice temperance and restraint. Admittedly, this is easier said than done, but the journey of personal growth involves learning to sidestep the harmful extremes that are all too tempting.

Certainty Brings Ruin

Human beings have an inherent desire for certainty. We typically avoid risks, seeking comfort in the familiar. However, anyone who has ventured beyond their comfort zone in pursuit of personal growth knows the dangers of clinging too tightly to certainty: stagnation. This stagnation arises from an unhealthy dependence on comfort.

As a result, individuals often become overly reliant on the security of their established beliefs. They may stop questioning themselves—fearing the discovery of being wrong—and surround themselves with those who reinforce their views. Consequently, their growth becomes stunted, if not nonexistent.

The Takeaway

Despite the many transformations that have occurred in the past 2,500 years, timeless principles from ancient times still offer invaluable guidance for modern living. The three maxims discussed here are not exhaustive, but they are undeniably universal. They may not encompass the entirety of what it means to lead a fulfilling life, yet they certainly hold significance in any interpretation of that concept.

In fact, many of the values we adopt can be traced back to these three principles. Embracing them can serve as a gateway to discovering the specific values that propel our lives forward.

The first video, "2000 Year Old Temple Mount Hebrew Inscription Explained," offers an insightful exploration of ancient inscriptions that illuminate these timeless principles.

The second video, "We Found a Lost Temple Using Maths Sent by an Ancient Sumerian God," presents a fascinating look into how ancient knowledge intersects with modern understanding through mathematics.