This quote suggests two levels of understanding: knowing others and knowing oneself. The first part, “Intelligent people know others,” implies that intelligence is associated with the ability to understand, empathize, and predict the behaviors and motivations of others. This can be seen in social intelligence, where one can navigate social situations effectively, or in emotional intelligence, where one can identify and manage not only their own emotions, but also the emotions of others.

The second part, “Enlightened people know themselves,” goes a step further. It suggests that true wisdom or enlightenment isn’t just about understanding others, but also having a deep understanding of oneself. This means being aware of one’s strengths, weaknesses, desires, motivations, and emotions. More importantly, it’s about understanding one’s place in the world and in relation to others, and being at peace with it.

In today’s world, this quote is highly relevant. In personal development, knowing others can be beneficial in many areas such as career progression, relationship building, and conflict resolution. It can help us to work better in teams, to communicate more effectively, and to understand different perspectives.

However, knowing oneself is often highlighted as the key to personal growth and happiness. Self-awareness allows us to identify what truly matters to us, which in turn can guide our decisions and actions. It helps us to recognize our own patterns of thinking and behaving, and how these might be helping or hindering us. This self-knowledge is the foundation for self-improvement.

Moreover, in a rapidly changing world, where external circumstances can be unpredictable, knowing oneself provides a stable anchor. It enables us to remain centered and grounded, no matter what is happening around us.

In conclusion, while intelligence can help us navigate the world and the people in it, true enlightenment comes from turning our gaze inward and understanding ourselves.