Define Himself vs. Know Himself

“He who defines himself can't know who he really is.
He who has power over others can't empower himself.” 

― Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

What does it mean to define himself? It means to put favorable labels to himself. People who habitually do this may eventually lose the ability to see who he really is. It is like a person who plays persona too much will forget his true personality.

What does it mean to empower himself? To empower himself is to take the responsibilities of leadership. People who have power over others may become too absorbed to power. They are so eager to control but fail to lead.