The acceptance of oneself is the essence of the whole moral problem and the epitome of a whole outlook on life. That I feed the hungry, that I forgive an insult, that I love my enemy in the name of Christ -- all these are undoubtedly great virtues. What I do unto the least of my brethren, that I do unto Christ. But what if I should discover that the least among them all, the poorest of all the beggars, the most impudent of all the offenders, the very enemy himself -- that these are within me, and that I myself stand in need of the alms of my own kindness -- that I myself am the enemy who must be loved -- what then? As a rule, the Christian's attitude is then reversed; there is no longer any question of love or long-suffering; we say to the brother within us "Raca, " and condemn and rage against ourselves. We hide it from the world; we refuse to admit ever having met this least among the lowly in ourselves. C.g. Jung
About This Quote

Many people feel that it is easier to be compassionate towards others than to be compassionate towards themselves. In the quote, the Christian is saying that compassion for others comes from compassion for oneself. Compassion can not exist without compassion. Compassion for oneself is essential to a compassionate person.

Source: Memories, Dreams, Reflections

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More Quotes By C.g. Jung
  1. The acceptance of oneself is the essence of the whole moral problem and the epitome of a whole outlook on life. That I feed the hungry, that I forgive an insult, that I love my enemy in the name of Christ -- all these are...
  2. As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.
  3. Mistakes are, after all, the foundations of truth, and if a man does not know what a thing is, it is at least an increase in knowledge if he knows what it is not.
  4. How can I be substantial if I do not cast a shadow? I must have a dark side also If I am to be whole
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