Added an image from the BatchOfNine (I think it relates well enough to the river metaphor).
Size
1915 bytes
Delta
—
:The negative view: Self-love is directed towards being self-centered and not respecting others' needs or opinions.
:The positive view:
[[Image:WaterTowerStoresEnergy.jpg|150px]]
From the [[SolSeedCreed]]
<i>
: [[SelfLove]] is motive.
: Without SelfLove,
:: [[Empathy]] and [[Wisdom]] are impotent.
</i>
In the [[SolSeedCreed]], [[SelfLove]] (aka passion) is regarded as the fundamental motive (or motor) that drives a person to act. [[SelfLove]] influences all that an individual does whether or not that individual acknowledges the influence. Our responsibility is not to stamp out, but to guide and direct [[SelfLove]].
Because of its capacity to motivate great good or great evil, economic theory regards [[SelfLove]] as akin to a force of nature. Indeed, the analogy between [[SelfLove]] and a river is very close.
: Be aware of the power of the river, but do not fear it. Fear of the river's power will tempt you to try and stamp it out. In failing you waste effort that otherwise could have been turned to good purposes. In succeeding your loss is even greater! Success compounds the wastes of failure with the destruction of a river whose power would have multiplied your ability to do good. Instead of attempting to thwart the river's inclination, use your [[Empathy]] and [[Wisdom]] to guide and redirect it. When properly directed, the river that would have flooded and destroyed instead powers and irrigates.
[[SelfLove]] provides incentive to care for and nurture yourself. [[Empathy]] projects [[SelfLove]] onto the other and provides incentive to care for and nurture them in the same way you wish to care for and nurture yourself. Without [[SelfLove]] empathy is hollow. If the [[SelfLove]] that is projected onto another isn't strong and healthy, then neither will the love for the other be strong and healthy.
[[Category:SolSeed]]
[[Category:SolSeedMovement]]
[[Category:SolSeedVirtues]]