Arcana Coelestia (Elliott) n. 6710

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6710. Evidence that love is what makes a person the neighbour and that the character of a person's love determines what kind of neighbour he is, may be seen quite plainly in anyone who is governed by self-love. He recognizes as his neighbour those who love him most, that is, he does so to the extent that they are his own, thus are in his pocket. These he embraces, kisses, confers benefits on, and calls his brothers; indeed on account of his wickedness he says that these more than others are the neighbour. The rest he regards as the neighbour only inasmuch as he loves himself. Thus the kind and amount of love they feel for him determines the way he regards them. Such a person makes the origin of the neighbour reside in himself because love is what determines it.


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