“There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.”
- January 17, 1706 – April 17, 1790
- American
- Polymath, Founding Father of the United States, Inventor, Diplomat, Writer
table of contents
Quote
“There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.”
Explanation
In this quote, Benjamin Franklin ranks self-knowledge among the most difficult achievements in life—alongside steel and diamonds, two of the hardest known materials. By doing so, he emphasizes that understanding one’s own character, motives, and flaws is a task of exceptional difficulty, even greater than mastering external challenges.
Franklin’s inclusion of self-awareness in this trio reflects the Enlightenment emphasis on introspection and rational self-examination. Despite his public achievements, Franklin dedicated significant effort to private moral improvement, famously keeping a chart to track his progress on thirteen personal virtues. He recognized that while people are quick to judge others, they often lack clarity about their own biases, weaknesses, and inner drives.
In modern life, where distractions and curated personas are abundant, Franklin’s insight holds great relevance. Truly knowing oneself requires humility, honesty, and ongoing effort. It is foundational for personal growth, healthy relationships, and moral integrity. His quote challenges us to value introspection as a rare and courageous act—harder than bending steel, rarer than a diamond, yet more valuable than either.
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