Hermetic Axiom - Know Thyself
Self-knowledge as the foundation of all wisdom.
The ancient injunction 'Know Thyself' is central to Hermetic practice. Since the human is a microcosm of the universe, self-knowledge leads to cosmic knowledge. Through understanding our own nature on all planes, we come to understand the nature of all things.
Know thyself, and thou shalt know the universe and the Gods.
Self-knowledge is the first step on the Hermetic path.
Ancient Sources