The Fairest of them All?
Autolatry is defined simply as “self-worship.” The object of worship is by (my) definition a god. Therefore, whether he is conscious of the fact or not, the autolater makes himself (“his Self”) a god.
Gods share certain attributes, and the Self, when it is made a god, assumes these attributes. For example, gods are jealous and reluctant to share their glory with other so-called gods, so they demand exclusive allegiance and single-minded obedience. To borrow some familiar language, the Self has two great commands:
1. Love the Lord your Self with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
2. Love your neighbor for your Self.
With a little reflection you can see how these two commands are mutually interrelated: you cannot love your Self without loving your neighbor for your Self; and if you love your neighbor for your Self, then you are loving your Self with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Autolatry is therefore self-consistent as a religion.
We also see in these two great commands the common hunger of a god for more worshipers. The Self is always in the market for admirers, and when you love your neighbor for your Self, you are making (or trying to make) your neighbor into another servant of your Self.
When, for example, you give something to your neighbor in need, it may appear on the surface to be a conflict of Self-interest; but if you maintain at your core an ultimate desire that the neighbor would call your Self “generous,” you are loving your neighbor for your Self, and recruiting another devotee for your Self. Likewise, if you admire your neighbor’s face, or hair, or eyes, or car, or house, or anything that is your neighbor’s, yet give your admiration expecting in return some reciprocal praise, you are loving your neighbor for your Self, and are a faithful autolater.