When they have really learned to love their neighbours as themselves, they will be allowed to love themselves as their neighbours.
In "The Screwtape Letters," C.S. Lewis presents a profound insight about love and empathy. The quote emphasizes the importance of loving others genuinely, suggesting that true self-love emerges only when one learns to love their neighbors as they would themselves. This reciprocal relationship between self-love and love for others is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.
Lewis implies that the path to authentic self-acceptance is through altruism and compassion toward others. By prioritizing the love for our neighbors, we not only cultivate deeper connections with those around us but also nurture a healthier self-relationship. This perspective challenges readers to reflect on their interactions with others and the impact it has on their self-view.
