Heaven and Hell (Harley) n. 556

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556. The love of self is wishing well to oneself alone, and to others only for the sake of self; even to the Church, one's country, or any human society. It consists also in doing good to all these solely for the sake of one's own reputation, honour, and glory; and unless these are seen in the uses he performs to others he says in his heart, "How does it concern me? Why should I do this? What shall I get from it?" And therefore he does not do it. Evidently, then, he who is in the love of self does not love the Church or his country or society, nor any use, but himself alone. His delight is solely the delight of the love of self; and as the delight that comes forth from his love is what makes the life of man, his life is a life of self; and a life of self is a life from man's proprium, and man's proprium, regarded in itself; is nothing but evil. He who loves himself loves also those who belong to him, that is, in particular, his children and grandchildren, and in general, all who are at one with him, whom he calls his. To love them is to love himself; for he regards them as it were in himself; and himself in them. Among those whom he calls his are also all who commend, honour, and pay their court to him.


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