Know Thyself

Day 224:

Know Thyself, Conor.  It's a catchy quote and, despite it's rather simple nature, it's a a few words which can actually mean so much, or so little, to so many.  Waxing poetic, I realize... Allow me to expound on where I'm coming from...

In finding some recent fascination with the term, given you and so many other things about my / our lives in general, I found this to be the easiest to understand in terms of it's ancient meaning...

"The proverb is applied to those whose boasts exceed what they are," and that 'know thyself' is a warning to pay no attention to the opinion of the multitude."

I found this explanation going back as far as the 10th century Suda - a book of Greek wisdom.  And I agree with it's example.  Know what you know and damn what others might think about what you unequivocally 'know'.  

The term "Know Thyself" was also used by great philosophers Plato and Socrates. to name a few, and through time it's been used to a purpose of some explanation or another for everything from the dawn of a religion to justification for fighting wars.  But for me it carries its own meaning, Conor.

Every day of your life holds an opportunity to learn, Son.  And the more you learn and understand, the more you 'know', the more you're shaped into the person you've always wanted to be, or the person you've never wanted to be.  Okay, okay, waxing again... But truthfully your life will be defined by what you know, what you love, and what you stand for.  Sometimes that's something as simple as a belief in a spiritual possession...  Other times it's a stark realization as to the realization of who you REALLY are.  And what I'm referring to in this case Conor, is you.

I was meant to be your Father, Boy'O.  Every moment we spend together, I learn more from you than you ever could from me.  Be they simple joys to the truth and understanding behind blind love.  For all the things I've ever possessed, and for all the things I've ever lost, in the 224 days you've been on this Earth I've gained more perspective as to what really matters than I ever thought possible...  There's just no way to get enough of you, my Son.  No way possible.

I still have my selfish moments, Conor.  Everybody does I imagine.  However, being your Dad is truly the tip of the spear in terms of finally understanding my life's calling.  Now, it doesn't end there of course.  You're without a doubt a large part of what will define me, though to "know thyself" also means I should be exceptional at whatever it is I do in life if for nothing else than to be an example for you.  And I've certainly got some work to do there, Son...  But without question those efforts now have a purpose they never did before.  You.

I love you, Conor.

-Dad