He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers others has physical strength; he who conquers himself is truly strong.

This is the core content of Chapter 33 of Laozi's Tao Te Ching. The complete chapter states: "He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened. He who conquers others has physical strength; he who conquers himself is truly strong. He who is content is rich; he who acts with determination has willpower. He who does not lose his place will endure; he who dies but does not perish has longevity." This passage embodies Laozi's complete understanding of life cultivation, forming a progressive system of life realms from knowing others to knowing oneself, from conquering others to conquering oneself.

This statement reveals two levels of life cultivation: The first level is the realm of external cognition and conquest. Being able to accurately perceive the psychology and behavioral patterns of others demonstrates wisdom; being able to defeat others in competition shows strong external capabilities. The second level is the realm of internal cognition and conquest. Being able to deeply understand one's own nature, desires, limitations, and potential represents true enlightenment; being able to restrain one's desires, overcome one's weaknesses, and transcend self-imposed limitations represents true strength. Laozi believes that while external cognition and conquest are important, internal cognition and conquest represent a higher realm. The external world changes constantly, while the internal world is the only domain that humans can truly control.

Legend has it that during his service as keeper of the Zhou dynasty archives, Laozi often observed visiting envoys from various feudal lords. These envoys were all astute and capable, skilled at reading people's expressions and knowing how to persuade others, achieving repeated success in the competition among feudal lords. However, Laozi discovered that these seemingly successful figures had a common problem: they excelled at calculating against others but rarely reflected on themselves; they could defeat powerful enemies on the battlefield but found it difficult to restrain their own desires; they could expand territories for their lords but couldn't manage their own families well. One day, a once-famous general visited and confided his confusion to Laozi: he was invincible on the battlefield but couldn't live harmoniously with his wife and children at home; he could accurately judge the enemy's movements but didn't understand his own true needs. Laozi was moved by this and uttered this famous saying that has lasted for millennia. This story embodies Laozi's profound insight into social phenomena of his time and reflects the Daoist characteristic of "seeking within oneself."

This statement has produced profound multi-dimensional influences throughout history: In intellectual history, it became a self-cultivation principle jointly respected by both Confucian and Daoist schools. Confucianism developed it into the concept of "self-cultivation," emphasizing "rectifying the mind and making thoughts sincere"; Daoism developed it into the concept of "nourishing life," emphasizing "purifying the mind and reducing desires." In political history, it influenced the governance concepts of wise rulers throughout dynasties. Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, once encouraged himself with this: "The ruler must first rectify himself, then he can rectify the world." Emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty also used this to teach his princes: "He who conquers others has strength; he who conquers himself is truly strong - this applies especially to those who rule." In educational history, it became an important goal of traditional education. Zhu Xi explicitly proposed in the "White Deer Grotto Academy Regulations" to "speak with loyalty and trustworthiness, act with sincerity and respect, restrain anger and suppress desires, move toward goodness and correct mistakes," reflecting the educational philosophy of self-knowledge and self-conquest. In literary and art history, it inspired countless scholars and writers. Su Shi's "I cannot recognize the true face of Mount Lu, only because I am in this mountain" reflects the pursuit of self-knowledge; Tao Yuanming's "realizing that the past cannot be admonished, knowing that the future can be pursued" reflects the practice of self-conquest.

How modern people can practice the wisdom of "self-knowledge" and "self-conquest": Establish self-awareness habits: Set aside 10 minutes daily for introspection and reflection, recording emotional changes, behavioral patterns, and thinking habits, gradually building objective self-knowledge. Use 360-degree feedback: Regularly collect evaluations about yourself from family, friends, and colleagues, using others' perspectives to correct biases in self-perception. Set self-challenge goals: Identify one of your weaknesses (such as procrastination, emotional impulsiveness, or lack of patience), establish a 21-day change plan, and achieve self-transcendence through small, rapid steps. Cultivate delayed gratification ability: When facing immediate temptations, practice waiting 10 minutes before making decisions, gradually improving control over your desires. Establish internal evaluation systems: Reduce dependence on external evaluations and establish a self-evaluation system based on internal value standards, enhancing psychological independence.