No one knows what you can do, not even you, until you try.

What it means

Your ability is new in the world, so no one else can measure it, and neither can you in advance. The only test is the attempt. Try before you decide you can't.

The source

"No one knows what you can do, not even you, until you try." Ralph Waldo Emerson said it in Self-Reliance (Essays: First Series, 1841). Written in English: Essays: First Series, 1841.

"none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried."

Original English (Essays: First Series, 1841), Self-Reliance (Essays: First Series, 1841). Text read at gutenberg.org.

Who said it

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882). American essayist and lecturer who led the Transcendentalists. His lines here come from Nature, Self-Reliance and his Essays.

Questions

What does "No one knows what you can do, not even you, until you try." mean?

Your ability is new in the world, so no one else can measure it, and neither can you in advance. The only test is the attempt. Try before you decide you can't.

Who said "No one knows what you can do, not even you, until you try."?

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882). Source: Self-Reliance (Essays: First Series, 1841).

What is the original wording?

none but he knows what that is which he can do, nor does he know until he has tried (Original English (Essays: First Series, 1841)). Written in English: Essays: First Series, 1841.

Is "No one knows what you can do, not even you, until you try." on a shirt?

Yes. We print it to order on our tees in 6 illustrated looks, from $44, with free US shipping.

"No one knows what you can do, not even you, until you try." (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance (Essays: First Series, 1841), trans. Original English (Essays: First Series, 1841)). https://spartansurfers.com/quotes/no-one-knows-what-you-can-do-not