ABSTRACT
In the period between Descartes and Hegel, know thyself (KT) continued to be a popular theme for writers. Pope's Essay on Man (1733–4) famously says that 'laugh when we must, be candid where we can; But vindicate the ways of God to man'. Pope is able to combine his view of KT stoicism at the present state of things with the self-love expressed in KT, which is a condition for just social relations. Mason says KT is to be achieved by self-introspection, self-scrutiny, and self-examination. He offers the soul a soliloquy that will help it into this examination, through questions about the meaning of one's life, and advises that such an exercise be undertaken regularly, calling on Pythagoras and Seneca for support. Dr. Johnson wrote two pieces on KT in 'The Rambler': In the first piece he acknowledges that KT is the most famous of ancient maxims and wisdoms; and in the second piece Johnson opens with two thoughts on death.
