554.  From an inspection of these monstrous forms of spirits in the hells (which, as I have said, are all forms of contempt of others and of menaces against those who do not pay them honor and respect, also forms of hatred and revenge against those who do not favor them), it became evident that in general they were all forms of the love of self and the love of the world; and that the evils of which these are the specific forms have their origin in these two loves.  Moreover, I have been told from heaven, and it has been proved to me by much experience, that these two loves, the love of self and the love of the world, rule in the hells and constitute the hells as love to the Lord and love towards the neighbor rule in the heavens and constitute the heavens; also that the two loves that are the loves of hell and the two loves that are the loves of heaven are diametrically opposite to each other.

555.  At first I wondered how it is that love of self and love of the world could be so diabolical, and how those who are in these loves could be such monsters in appearance; for in the world not much thought is given to love of self, but only to that elated state of mind in external matters which is called haughtiness, and that alone, being so apparent to the sight, is regarded as love of self.  Furthermore, love of self, when it is not so displayed, is believed in the world to be the very fire of life by which man is stimulated to seek employment and to perform uses, and if he found no honor or glory in these his mind would grow torpid.  It is asked, Who has ever done any worthy, useful, and distinguished deed except for the sake of being praised and honored by others, or regarded with esteem and honor by others?  And can this be from any other source than the fire of love for glory and honor, consequently for self.  For this reason, it is unknown in the world that love of self, regarded in itself, is the love that rules in hell and constitutes hell in man.  This being so I will first describe what the love of self is, and then will show that all evils and their falsities spring from that love as their fountain.

556.  The love of self is wishing well to oneself alone, and to others only for the sake of self, even to the church, one’s country, or any human society.  It consists also in doing good to all these solely for the sake of one’s own reputation, honor, and glory; and unless these are seen in the uses he performs in behalf of others he says in his heart, How does it concern me?  Why should I do this?  What shall I get from it? and therefore he does not do it.  Evidently, then, he who is in the love of self does not love the church or his country or society, nor any use, but himself alone.  His delight is solely the delight of the love of self; and as the delight that comes forth from his love is what constitutes the life of man, his life is a life of self; and a life of self is a life from what is man’s own, and what is man’s own, regarded in itself, is nothing but evil.  He who loves himself loves also those who belong to him, that is, in particular, his children and grandchildren, and in general, all who are at one with him, whom he calls his.  To love these is to love himself, for he regards them as it were in himself, and himself in them.  Among those whom he calls his are also all who commend, honor, and pay their court to him.