Before revision: Richard Wagner gave the maxim a nationalistic turn in an anti-Semitic essay titled "Know Thyself" (, 1881), in which he argued that the German people should attempt to gain a better understanding of their heritage in order to more effectively demonstrate their superiority over the Jews .
After revision: Richard Wagner wrote an essay "Know Thyself" (, 1881), urging the "awakening of humans to their simple, sacred dignity", departing with partisan political battles and identity conflicts, and aiming for a universal recognition of shared human dignity .