The Shadow: Acknowledging imperfection

Recognition of the Shadow, on the other hand, leads to the modesty we need in order to acknowledge imperfection.

And it is just this conscious recognition and consideration that are needed whenever a human relationship is to be established.

A human relationship is not based on differentiation and perfection, for these only emphasize the differences or call forth the exact opposite; it is based, rather on imperfection, on what is weak, helpless and in need of support — the very ground and motive for dependence.

The perfect have no need of others, but weakness has, for it seeks support and does not confront its partner with anything that might force him into an inferior position and even humiliate him.

This humiliation may happen only too easily when high idealism plays too prominent a role.

Collected Words 10

Civilization in Transition

par 579, pg 301