Defeat is the true mirror revealing the depth of your spiritual capacity and strength of character. [1] God alone has perfect self-appraisal, fully aware of his infinity, eternity, perfection, and power. [2] The apostles were surprised to learn that Jesus' teachings lacked guidance on spiritual self-examination. [3] Self-analysis prevents conceited egotism in the philosophy of Jesus of Nazareth. [4] Both science and religion require fearless self-criticism to acknowledge their incompleteness and prevent dogmatism. [5]
Understanding self and others leads to craving to know God, as the God-knowing man strives to become like the Original Personality through his spiritual experiences. [6] Jesus taught self-forgetfulness and self-control, while John taught self-examination and self-denial. [7]