You are told to love your neighbour as yourself. How do…
““You are told to love your neighbour as yourself. How do you love yourself? When I look into my own mind, I find that I do not love myself by thinking myself a dear old chap or having affectionate feelings. I do not think that I love myself because I am particularly good, but just because I am myself and quite apart from my character. I might detest something which I have done. Nevertheless, I do not cease to love myself. In other words, that definite distinction that Christians make between hating sin and loving the sinner is one that you have been making in your own case since you were born. You dislike what you have done, but you don't cease to love yourself. You may even think that you ought to be hanged. You may even think that you ought to go to the Police and own up and be hanged. Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True self‑love is not based on self‑praise or perfection, but on accepting oneself and wishing the best for the self despite flaws.
In simple terms: Self‑love is acceptance and desire for one's own good.
Key Takeaway
Accept yourself and seek your own ultimate good.
Themes
self‑acceptance
compassion
Christian ethics
Mood
reflective
serene
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- personal growth
- spiritual practice
- mental health counseling
Key Concepts
theology
psychology
ethics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you differentiate healthy self‑respect from selfishness?
- What practices help you wish your own ultimate good?
A Different Perspective
Self‑love can become self‑indulgence if not balanced with responsibility.