Immunity is a battle between ‘me’ and ‘not me.’ Our brains and bodies are designed to be entirely egocentric. Genes are self-interested because they ensure their own survival. If I don’t exist, then there is no one else and no love. After all, loving others is an extension of loving myself. If there ’ s a distortion or immaturity in self-love, even when loving others, it can leave a scar, and that wound leaves a scar on me again. The victim consciousness forgets this mechanism. Just as immunity is vital for physical health, it’s equally crucial in mental health or religion — the immune system against self-love must remain strong. - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”
Both self-respect and self-esteem are emotions that enable individuals to assess themselves and acknowledge their intrinsic value. Is this a form of identity capitalism? Who evaluates it, and who determines the criteria for value? Isn’t existence or nonexistence itself meaningful and valuable? Isn’t my presence in this world already worth something? - Joseph’s “just my thoughts”