UNDERSTANDING THE

SELF
By: *Ethel Magalona MAP, LPT,
*Elline Regina M. Cruz, MAEd, LPT *Evelyn Sadsad, PhD
*Michelle Chan Lauigan, RPm, MAGC
Learning Outcome
At the end of this lesson, the learner is
expected to:
1. Illustrate and identify the different
philosophies of “the self”.
2. Build one’s own philosophy of “the self”.
Introduction
“Knowing others is intelligence
Knowing yourself is true wisdom
Mastering others is strength
Mastering yourself is true power.”

- Lao Tzu Tao Te Ching

This life is a journey that begins
from the discovery of the ‘self’.
As an intelligent and thinking
being we have the duty to look
within us and introspect.
Understanding of the ‘self’ provides
not only awareness but the ability to
see what makes us happy and satisfied.
It can then propel us to our goal of
liberating our ‘self’ from the shackles
of ignorance towards the attainment
of self-determination.
It is high time to sit down and look
within our ‘self’ by determining its
strengths, abilities, interests and
values.
Identifying the potentials of our ‘self’
can propel us to greater heights and
achieve more not only for our benefit
but for all those who rely on us – our
family, community and society.
Indeed, we do not live this life for
ourselves alone but it is a fact that
understanding the ‘self’ can be the
path to which we can share more of
ourselves to others.
Our strength can be utilized in the
service of a cause as each of us has the
talent and the gift to grow and excel in
areas that is uniquely ours.
Through an in-depth awareness of the
‘self’ we can have a thorough appreciation
of our wholeness as a person, what we
desire, what we love, what we consider as
significant for us. The same can provide
us fulfillment and joy which in real terms
is the ultimate goal of this physical life.
End