Chapter XXV. Of the Fifth Support of the Human Will

THE hatred of ourselves is a necessary aid to the human will, for without it you will never attain the aid of Divine Love, the Source of all good.

The way to gain it is, first to seek it from God; and then to reflect upon the many injuries which are, and have been, brought upon man by self-love.

This self-love is of so malignant a nature, that if it could enter into heaven, it would suddenly convert the Heavenly Jerusalem into a Babylon. Consider then what this pest works in the human breast, and in this present life!

Take self-love out of the world, and immediately the gates of hell would close. Who then would be such an enemy to himself, as, when he has considered the nature, qualities, and effects of self-love, not to be indignant against it, and to hate it?