We have already said, according to the doctrine of the Fathers, taken from the gospels, that we must hate ourselves. –St Alonso Rodriguez ‘Christian Perfection’.

Strong words demanding proper interpretation, avoiding the backslide of pride in reverse: false humility. The natural tendency for self-love, pride, glorifying of myself, must be confronted brutally as a warrior. Weakness the proper weapon, surrendering the method of battle, I must defeat the survival instinct of placing myself first.