Danger of Self Motivation Mantras

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As Catholics - we have to be careful of ‘self’.
‘Self’ should be crucified on the cross -

With that said, today we have the me me me generation.
They like to take selfies of themselves - post on Facebook - etc

I know this one guy who uses self motivation mantras - to empower himself.
“ I’m number one “ “ I can do this “ “ I’m the best “ “ no one’s better “

A real *#@^~§@
Walks around with chest out - right up to you “ what’s up “ ( that’s his introduction )
Walks like a cowboy western gunfighter, arms out…
Gym. Nose up. Energy drinks.

So please be careful what you - tell yourself !
 
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I wanna be the very best
Like no one ever was
My whole life has led to this
It’s Time to test my skils
And I know I just can’t miss
I Gotta show the world!
Born to be a winner!
Born to be a Champion!
 
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Seagull said:
Walks around with chest out - right up to you “ what’s up “ ( that’s his introduction )

Walks like a cowboy western gunfighter, arms out…

Gym. Nose up. Energy drinks.
Click to expand...
Sorry, but what’s wrong with that? Or telling yourself you can do things?
 
Seagull said:
Walks around with chest out - right up to you “ what’s up “ ( that’s his introduction )

Walks like a cowboy western gunfighter, arms out…
Gym. Nose up. Energy drinks.
Click to expand...
Imitate him next time and act like a real jock!
 
He does this aggressively - and with an angry look - “ what’s up “
Looks you up. Looks you down. Stares at you like…,
Well, let’s just say you wouldn’t want your Walgreens cashier to do that to you.
 
Seagull said:
As Catholics - we have to be careful of ‘self’.
‘Self’ should be crucified on the cross -
Click to expand...
Hm, that’s not a Catholic position, actually. The idea that the self is to be eliminated or “seen to be imaginary or non-existent” is a notion taken from modern strands of Buddhism. It appears nowhere in Catholic teaching, not even implicitly. Catholics believe there is a self, typically called the soul, which truly does exist, is eternal, and is very, very much worth saving from perdition. In fact, that’s pretty much what Catholicism is about from beginning to end, and most other religions too.

As for the cross, it’s got nothing to do with eliminating the self. The cross is to stand condemned when you are (or have become) the embodiment of innocence and perfection, like Christ.

Of course the type of person you describe is distasteful – that I don’t disagree with, and indeed self-help mantras of the type you describe are unhealthy, as is the current obsession with taking one’s own picture. But such things do not flow from the true self; they flow from vanity, which is an aspect of pride – first of the seven capital sins.

Which leads me to another way of putting the difference between what you say about the self, and the Catholic position: the Catholic position is that man’s essential problem is his sinfulness, not his sense of self.
 
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As Catholics - we have to be careful of ‘self’.
‘Self’ should be crucified on the cross -
Click to expand...
The “false-self,” not the true person as God had in mind when He created you.

Part of spiritual growth is self-knowledge which God brings you to, and it’s the key component of developing the virtue of humility.

Jim
 
Stuff like that seems to border on self-love. But I guess that depends on each individual case.
 
Love your neighbor as you love yourself.

Love of self is understanding that God does not make junk.

We have a society where most people hate themselves and as a result, are incapable of loving others.

Jim
 
Some self motivating mantras, especially those which focus entirely on self, are unhealthy and may contribute to rise in vanity.

Although some might be good! For example: “I’m God’s creation. I have a purpose. I’m loved!” Though these are more of Spiritual rather than self
 
Loving your neighbor as yourself is not the same thing as loving yourself. Most people in society love themselves too much and render them and are unable to love others the way they ought too. Maybe you live in a special neighborhood.
 
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The mantras that are focused on comparing your self with others are unhealthy for the soul unless they spring from a desire to be like a Saint. God points out the ones He wants us to compare ourselves to and be like.
 
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