The Passion of Self-Love and of Love of Self in the Philosophical, Biblical and Patristic Traditions of the VI B. C. — VI A. D. (Part I)

Abstract

This article reviews the concepts of self-love and love of self in the ancient philosophical, biblical and patristic traditions from the 6th c. BC to the 6th c. AD. The first part reviews the references to self-love in the philosophical tradition of Plato, Aristotle, Philo, Porphyry and others, as well as in the Bible. Most of the mentioned philosophers understand self-love in a negative sense. The article shows its relationship to a number of other vices and points out the ways to overcome it. The review of the biblical tradition contains an analysis of the Old and New Testament texts on this subject, where the concept of self-love also has negative connotation, and is associated with a number of sinful passions. At the same time, the author highlights the concept of love of self, implicitly derived from the commandment to love one’s neighbour.