Both Plato and Socrates employed the phrase, “Know thyself.” It is an invitation to self-exploration. But it is often met with a vagueness that leaves people not knowing where to start or a narrowness that leaves people with a narrow sense of self. For example, it’s great to know what your strengths are, but that isn’t enough.
Saint Zita of Lucca knew herself. So much so that even when everyone around her mocked her for her faith and constantly insulted her, she remained calm and compassionate.
From the age of twelve onward, Zita was a servant in the Fatinelli household in Lucca. She faced constant mistreatment and misunderstanding from her employers, who thought she had a holier-than-thou attitude because she spent so much time in prayer and serving the poor. Zita knew herself too well to take their insults personally, because she knew her own motives came from loving God and neighbor. She stayed strong in her faith, and eventually she transformed the Fatinelli household, turning her detractors into admirers and leading her master to become reputed for his holiness.
Her life was marked by miracles and a deep love for the poor and the imprisoned, often giving her own food and provisions to those in need. Zita knew what she needed and didn’t need, and whatever she didn’t need, she gave away. She was intimately aware of her own dependence on God, and trusted that God would provide for her when she didn’t have enough.
Saint Zita of Lucca knew herself intimately. Do you know yourself?
Here are five specific ways to get to know yourself better:
Take a cue from Saint Zita of Lucca, and begin knowing yourself better today and every day.
