Are we that different?

Socrates said, “Know yourself”. This phrase may not sound poetically striking nor solemn, even some might sense it as dull. However, it encloses a most important question: Are we that different?

Why is this question so relevant? The answer comes from a simple deduction: if we are not that different, then knowing ourselves means, at the same time, knowing others. This idea opens up a whole perspective of individuality and social interaction.

Surely cultural background, historical heritage and genetics have been elements forever put forth to account for what differentiates groups of humans. Nevertheless, the Greek philosopher phrase aims at searching underneath the surface and focusing on what we share in order to go beyond the boundaries of the individual self.

Socrates words invite us to take a different approach to self-knowledge: knowing others through knowing ourselves.

Self-knowledge is not proposed as an egocentric exercise but rather a virtue, a skill, a tool to surpass the limits of individuality and create bridges towards other people, to engage more effectively with our surroundings and to reduce social alienation. Comprehending the very basic elements we have in common will help us be more empathetic, become more sympathetic and ultimately build more solid group interactions.

Of course, the task does not come without its complexities.

It is not a matter of projecting oneself onto others unrestrictedly, but rather of being aware of and identifying the communal components at play in interpersonal relations. It is true that the closer the cultural group, the easier to see oneself reflected onto others (and vice versa). Nevertheless, even with the farthest communities in the globe we can hold linking aspects: from the body — no matter where we are from, we all have a physical interface with the world — until the very primary elements of human condition, such as ideas of death, freedom and self-preservation.

This introspective-outtrospective principle has long had mundane applications: from mass leaders’ speeches, to marketing campaigns. These examples proof that by looking within ourselves we will find things that are inside others as well. It can be a means to understanding and empathizing, but also to manipulating and taking advantage.

As everything related to social and people dynamics, nothing is absolute and definite. There are elements that tear us apart, but there are deep forces that draw us close. We are like actors, with different costumes, individual roles and speeches; but performing on the same stage, taking part of a play that is ultimately happening in the same global venue.

Try yourself what Socrates puts forth: look for your reflection on others, search for your own actions on what those around you do, and recognize the traces of other people on your thoughts. At the end, you may be surprised that looking inside is the way to seeing the outside.