Willst du dich selber erkennen, so sieh, wie die Andern es treiben… — Friedrich Schiller | Printable Wall Art

“Willst du dich selber erkennen, so sieh, wie die Andern es treiben. Willst du die Andern verstehn, blick in dein eigenes Herz.”
“If you wish to know yourself, observe how others behave. If you wish to understand others, look into your own heart.”

Words by Friedrich Schiller (1759-1805) — German poet, philosopher, and playwright.

About this quote

This couplet explores the reflective nature of human understanding. Schiller suggests that observing the actions of others provides an objective mirror for our own character and behaviour. Conversely, inward reflection allows us to comprehend the motives of those around us. Self-knowledge and social understanding are deeply connected, each informing the other through shared human experience.

The quote comes from Schiller's collection of short epigrams, written in the late eighteenth century. Published under titles such as Erkenntnis, it reflects Classical German literary thought on self-awareness, empathy, and social observation.

People often hang this print in a study or hallway to prompt daily reflection on empathy and self-awareness.

What you get

An instant digital download. Choose your design and size at checkout — 18 typographic designs and 8 print sizes are available for this quote.

• Print-ready PDF with fully embedded vector type — sharp at any scale
• Exact trim size, no cropping required
• Print at home, at a local print shop, or upload to an online printer
• Instant download — no physical item is shipped

Sizes available

5" x 7" · 8" x 10" · 11" x 14" · 12" x 16" · 16" x 20" · 18" x 24" · 24" x 36" · A4 (21 x 29.7 cm)

Designs available

Atelier Serif · Quiet Garamond · Studio Left · Gallery Rule · Midnight Serif · Editorial Left Serif · Modern Sans Calm · Letterpress Caps · Poster Condensed · Manuscript Italic · Asymmetric Left · Minimal Unsigned · Charcoal Sans · Gallery Frame · Soft Serif Right · Statement Serif · Tracked Caps Unsigned · Editorial Justified

Digital product. Colours may vary slightly between screens and printers. Frames and props are not included.