self-knowledge

the compound 'self-knowledge' is a modern english formation built from two ancient germanic roots. 'self' descends from proto-germanic selbaz, meaning 'self, same', and is cognate with old norse 'sjalfr' and gothic 'silba'. 'knowledge' originates from the old english verb 'cnawan' (to know), which traces back to the proto-indo-european root ǵneh₃-, meaning 'to know'. the concept, however, finds its philosophical articulation in ancient greece, encapsulated in the delphic maxim 'know thyself' (gnōthi seauton). the english term literally combines the notion of one's own identity with the state of understanding, evolving to signify the introspective awareness of one's inner nature and motivations.

Structure: self (own) + knowledge (understanding) self (old english, meaning 'one's own person'); knowledge (middle english, from old english 'cnawan' meaning 'to know', with the suffix '-ledge' forming a noun of condition or action).