As Swami Nikhilananda writes in the preface, "The very name of the book - Self-Knowledge - suggests its perennial interest and universal value. Self-Knowledge is vital. All other forms of knowledge are of secondary importance; for a man's action, feeling, reasoning, and thinking are dependent upon his idea of the Self. His view of life will be either materialistic or spiritual according to his conception of himself. Therefore it behooves everyone to cultivate Self-Knowledge at all times. Self-Knowledge serves the practical purpose of destroying pain and suffering (which are always caused by ignorance of the Self) and also the positive end of helping everyone enjoy supreme peace and blessedness here and always."

This 246 page book contains an introduction (114 pages) on the philosophy of Non-dualistic Vedanta and an appendix with 14 of Sankara's spiritual hymns recited by countless Hindus during their daily devotions.