Self-pity is the real enemy and the source of man's misery. Without a degree of pity for himself, man could not afford to be as self-important as he is. However, once the force of self-importance is engaged, it develops its own momentum. And it is this seemingly independent nature of self-importance which gives it its fake sense of worth.
In "Power of Silence," Carlos Castaneda emphasizes that self-pity is a major obstacle to personal happiness and fulfillment. He argues that it stems from human arrogance, suggesting that without some degree of self-compassion, individuals wouldn't feel the need to elevate their own importance. This sense of self-importance, while it can appear to be grounding, actually becomes a trap that feeds one's insecurities and miseries.
Castaneda explores how self-importance can take on...
