The Second Face of Self-rejection

 John Baptist

25th January 2022

 

Self-rejection seems to be more rampant than we think. One might think that self-rejection manifests itself only in low self-image and depression, but it also has another face called arrogance. Henry Nouwen, a well-known thinker, asked, “Isn’t arrogance, in the final analysis, just another way of dealing with the feelings of worthlessness?” When a person feels worthless, he/she thinks of himself/herself of no value and therefore deserving only rejection. This feeling can be nerve-racking for individuals to live with. The mind wants to escape from such pain and often devices a strategy — called arrogance. Using arrogance, a person can project all their hatred and rejection onto others. The individuals who use arrogance think that by disdaining others, they will feel better, greater and higher and thus worthy of appreciation and acceptance. Arrogance seems to be a search for self-acceptance, nevertheless a futile and unhealthy one. Can we be open and honest enough to identify in ourselves the temptation to self-rejection, whether it manifests itself in arrogance or low self-esteem? Learning to self-accept is the key to overcoming the vice of self-rejection. Can we open our arms to accept and embrace ourselves as God does?

Notes

 

Henry Nouwen, Life of the Beloved: Spiritual Living in a Secular World