A Reflection Paper

“I Become a Thousand Men

and yet Remain Myself”
_____________________

Self-Love in Joseph Ratzinger

and Georges Bernanos

Submitted to:
Mr. Christian Casildo

Submitted by:
Billy Joe Racca
Mark Cedie Rafin
Maricel Raguindin
Shenel Pauline Ricardos
Madzael Leoh Somera
 They say that love makes the world go round. With so many definitions of the term, it’s just easy for us
to become perplexed about what love is, how it feels to love and be loved, and where this love will lead us .
Although, despite the fact that people have varied perspectives on the word and ways to display it, still it can be
termed love as long as it does not become selfish. As in the present day, especially among young people, we
become self-centered without even realizing it due to an excess of love. When it turns selfish, can it still be
characterized as love? Where does love come from? What makes us need love? How can we demonstrate our
love? Why do we fall in love and require love?
God's Word has all of the answers. We love because He loved us first. We have experienced His
enormous love, despite the fact that we are not deserving or worthy of it. According to the article, because God
loved us, we loved Him back. And because we love Him, we love ourselves just as much as we love others. This
is where self-love comes into play. Self-love does not imply selfishness. It simply implies that we love
ourselves because God loves us. The finest approach to demonstrate self-love is to share it with others, to tell
them you love them and to be glad that they exist. Being selfless demonstrates that we actually love. Only then
can we truly comprehend what love is. We can't even define that word in a thousand words, but we shall
discover its actual meaning through action.
In addition, the article "I Become a Thousand Men and yet Remain Myself”: Self-Love in Joseph
Ratzinger and Georges Bernanos is a fascinating exploration of the concept of self-love and its role in our
understanding of personal identity. The authors draw upon the work of two prominent figures in Catholic
thought, Joseph Ratzinger and Georges Bernanos, to explore the nature and importance of self-love in our lives.
Another important theme of the article is the idea that self-love is intimately linked to our relationships with
others. The authors argue that true self-love involves a recognition of our interconnectedness with others, and a
willingness to seek the good of others as well as our own good. This perspective is reflected in the Christian
notion of love as a self-giving, sacrificial act.
Also, as the article shows, there is a tension between the idea of self-love as a form of narcissism and the
understanding of self-love as a necessary part of human flourishing. According to the authors, Ratzinger and
Bernanos provide a balanced take on this subject, recognizing the value of self-love while also recognizing the
dangers of excessive self-absorption. One of the article's important discoveries is that self-love is not just
egoism or self-centeredness, but is instead anchored in a respect of the unique value of each individual person.
This viewpoint is based on a Christian notion of the human person as formed in the image of God, with intrinsic
dignity and worth that cannot be lessened by external circumstances.
The written piece presents a persuasive vision of self-love that is consistent with one’s own experiences
and beliefs. As someone who has struggled with low self-esteem and self-doubt, we have learned the
significance of self-love in our lives. Not only has learning to love and accept oneself improved our mental
health, but it has also opened up new opportunities for growth and connection with others.
Ratzinger's view of self-love as a recognition of human dignity and worth resonates deeply with our own
understanding of the human person. We believe that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and
compassion, regardless of their background or circumstances. However, we also recognize that self-love can be
challenging, especially when one has experienced trauma or discrimination. It requires a willingness to confront
one's fears and vulnerabilities and to seek support from others.
Bernanos' emphasis on self-acceptance and self-compassion also speaks to our own experiences. We
have found that learning to embrace such flaws and accept our limitations has been liberating and empowering.
It has allowed us to focus more on our strengths and to pursue our desired goals with greater confidence and
resilience. However, we also recognize that self-acceptance is an ongoing process that requires patience,
persistence, and self-reflection.
In the "I Become a thousand men and yet remain myself" Self-love, this emphasize Christian views by
Joseph Ratzinger and George Bernanos. As an advocate of personal encounters with God, Ratzinger emphasizes
the unique relationship between God and the individual and the importance of the personal transformation it
brings. In doing so, he emphasizes his idea of becoming a different person by meeting God while remaining true
to himself. Ratzinger emphasizes the importance of an individual's unique identity and self- affirmation while
recognizing the need for inner transformation through spiritual growth. Similarly, Bernanos emphasizes the
importance of self-knowledge and love, stating that in order to love others, one must first love oneself. For
Ratzinger, the concept of becoming a thousand while maintaining oneself emphasizes the potential for personal
progress and advancement. Bernanos' interpretation is more focused on the concepts of self- acceptance and
compassion. He believes that recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses and embracing both the light and dark
sides of one's personality means one must truly love oneself. In this way, individuals can develop a sense of
inner peace and groundedness, which further enhances their capacity to love and serve others. Similarly,
Bernanos, in his reflections on Christianity, speaks of the concept of 'lose oneself in order to find oneself in
God. He believes that the Christian path involves a radical self-transformation that allows one to become more
and more like Christ while remaining true to oneself. This change is not only personal, but also communal as
one becomes more closely connected with others in the body of Christ.
Moreover, it also focuses on the idea of existentialism, which emphasizes individual freedom and
choice. In this context, the article suggests that our identity is not fixed or predetermined, but rather something
that is constantly being shaped by our actions and choices. The idea of becoming "a thousand men" suggests
that we have the capacity for endless transformation, and that our identity is not limited to a single fixed self. At
the same time, the phrase "yet remain myself" suggests that there is a core sense of self that persists despite
these transformations.
In exploring the profound concept of love within the framework of Christocentric relational ontology, as
presented by Ratzinger, we discover a unique understanding that challenges conventional notions. According to
this perspective, self-love is not contradictory to self-denial, and both are essential elements of a complete love.
Often, the phrase "Love your neighbor as yourself" is perceived as a simple commandment emphasizing
the importance of treating others with kindness and compassion. However, within the context of Ratzinger's
relational ontology, this statement takes on a deeper meaning. It becomes a tautology that reveals the
interconnectedness of love for self and love for others. By loving our neighbor, we affirm and truly love
ourselves. This affirmation of our existence arises from the ecstatic outward movement of love, where we
extend ourselves beyond our own boundaries. Paradoxically, in denying ourselves and focusing on the well-
being of others, we experience a profound sense of self-love. Thus, self-denial becomes an act of self-love, as
we recognize the inherent relationality of our existence.
This understanding of love and the relationality of the human person offers a striking contrast to both
modern and postmodern conceptions. In the modern era, the emphasis often lies on introspection and self-
centeredness. As John Webster articulates, the motto of modernity could be summarized as "I look within."
Individuals are encouraged to search for meaning and fulfillment solely within themselves, leading to a
fragmented understanding of the self. On the other hand, postmodernism tends to adopt a more pessimistic
view, with the belief that the self does not amount to much. This perspective, captured by Lyotard's statement,
"Each of us knows that our self does not amount to much," highlights a sense of insignificance and detachment
from a greater whole.
Ratzinger and Bernanos, in response, offer an alternative outlook. They propose that by looking
outward, beyond ourselves, we come to realize the vast significance of our existence. Through our connection
with Christ, the self-expands beyond comprehension, encompassing a divine dimension. This recognition of our
participation in God's grand design allows us to comprehend that "we and thus I amount to a lot." Our identity is
no longer confined to the isolated self but rather intertwined with the infinite love of God.
The realization that all that is mine is yours reflects a radical shift from a purely private existence to a
communal one. The isolated self no longer exists because, through participation in God, we are united with one
another. In this profound unity, we become more than just ourselves. As Ratzinger and Bernanos would assert,
we become "a thousand men" and yet remain ourselves, transcending the limitations of individuality.
Essentially, both Ratzinger and Bernanos emphasize the idea that self-love is a necessary part of spiritual
growth and development, and that true transformation lies in being true to yourself and becoming more than you
are. increase. Through this process of persistence, the relationship with God deepens and the individual
becomes more alive and fulfilled. Both Ratzinger's and Bernanos' considerations of the concept of self- love are
consistent with Christian teachings that emphasize the importance of loving oneself and one's neighbor as
oneself. As individuals become a thousand while being themselves, they can better embody this principle and
develop a deeper sense of identity and connection with others.
Furthermore, the Christocentric relational ontology presented by Ratzinger provides a compelling
framework for understanding love and the human person. It challenges the conventional dichotomy between
self-love and self-denial, revealing that both are intricately connected and necessary for a complete experience
of love. This perspective contrasts sharply with the modern and postmodern conceptions that emphasize self-
centeredness or insignificance. By expanding our gaze beyond ourselves and recognizing our participation in
God, we come to comprehend the profound interconnectedness and significance of our existence. In this
transformative understanding, the isolated self dissolves, and we embrace a communal existence where love
knows no bounds.
Apart from that, we found this article to be a thought-provoking exploration of an important topic. The
authors offer a nuanced and insightful perspective on the nature of self-love, drawing upon the insights of two
influential thinkers in the Catholic tradition. By emphasizing the importance of self-love as a necessary aspect
of human flourishing, while also recognizing the dangers of excessive self-absorption, the authors offer a
valuable contribution to our understanding of personal identity and the role of self-love in our lives.
Overall, the article reflects a belief in the power of individual agency and the idea that we are constantly
shaping our own identity through our choices and actions. It also suggests that while our identity is constantly
evolving, there is a core sense of self that remains constant throughout these changes. both Ratzinger and
Bernanos emphasize the importance of love and selflessness in the Christian faith. While self-love can be a
positive force, it must be balanced with a concern for others and a willingness to put their needs before our own.