Why Do We Hate Ourselves and Each Other?

Hope by Art Young

You protest, and I understand. Surely, our real issue is too much self-absorption and indulgence.

With our rampant consumerism, the worldwide use of the word ‘selfie’, and our never-ending search to optimize our lives, the Self is reigning indeed.

The question is whether these are expressions of self-acceptance, self-embracing, and self-contentment? Do we truly love ourselves?

See?

When I frame it this way, it sends a jolt to my system. I reconsider whether I am serving myself well when I am busy, distracted, or struggling. I challenge my visions, dreams, and efforts. I notice how my self-view directly affects how I view others.

But what does it even mean to love oneself?

Can one be both the Subject and the Object at the same time? This is apparently a unique human capacity: to step away and look at oneself, stand in the dock, and or rationalise and give oneself a free pass! This, however, is a mature task, and one does not automatically grow up to be able to do so. In my work, I come across shocking decisions that grown men and women make, which truly undermine them. They get entangled and hurt by relationships and partnerships that do not support their values, and frequently struggle with setting boundaries.