The most valuable thing for people is self-awareness. It means: The rare and valuable thing for people is to be able to understand themselves.

The allusion comes from "Zhenguan Politicians·On Seeking Advice No. 4", the excerpt is as follows:

In the 16th year of Zhenguan, one time, Emperor Taizong Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty said to Sikong Fangxuanling and other ministers: " People who can correctly understand themselves are wise people, but it is very difficult to do this. For example, a monarch has to deal with thousands of national affairs every day, and the situation is very complicated. People are not saints and have no mental capacity. With limitations, how can everything be handled perfectly?

In this way, the monarch can only remedy his mistakes by relying on his ministers to correct them and point them out. I often miss Wei Zheng. He was loyal and upright. He was always able to correct me when I encountered problems. He repeatedly pointed out my faults. This is like using a bright mirror to look at the body, and both beauty and ugliness can be clearly seen." At this point, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty said. He raised his glass and toasted to Fang Xuanling and other ministers, encouraging them to do the same.

Extended information:

"Self-knowledge" comes from the "Tao Te Ching", the original text is as follows:

He who knows others is wise, and he who knows himself is wise. He who conquers others is powerful, and he who conquers himself is strong. He who is content is rich. The strong have the will. Those who do not lose their place will last forever. He who dies but does not die will live longer.

Translation: People who are good at understanding others are wise, and people who are good at understanding themselves are the wisest. Those who can defeat others only need to have strength, and those who can defeat themselves are the most powerful. Only those who are content can be rich, and those who work tirelessly are the most ambitious. Only those who do not lose their foundation can live long, and only those who are immortal after death can live the longest.