This article proposes a reflection on self-knowledge based on the renowned Apollonian maxim “Know thyself”, relating this process to Physical Education in the school context. It considers the body as more than a physical structure: it is a vessel that sustains the subtle dimensions of the human being and, therefore, must be strengthened and understood.
Drawing on Rudolf Steiner’s theory, the text emphasizes the importance of considering the stages of child development — especially between the ages of 9 and 14, as proposed by Waldorf Education — while respecting individual differences and the biographical laws that shape the human being. In this sense, Physical Education is presented as a privileged pathway for developing students’ bodily, emotional, and social awareness, providing experiences that foster the recognition of personal limits, potentialities, and human values such as respect and resilience.
Thus, the article proposes that the content of Physical Education classes be adapted to different stages of maturation, promoting self-discovery and conscious decision-making. Within this framework, bodily education becomes an essential instrument for the integral development of the student, offering opportunities for self-knowledge through movement.
Keywords: Physical Education, Waldorf Education, Anthroposophy, self-knowledge