What is philautia?

Philautia is a Greek word which translates to self-love or self-respect. In ancient Greek philosophy, philautia was often conceptualized as a positive form of self-love that was important for personal growth and well-being. It was seen as a balance between narcissism and selflessness, where individuals could cultivate a healthy sense of self-worth without becoming overly self-centered or vain.

Philautia is also a concept that has been explored in modern psychology and self-help literature as an important aspect of self-care and mental health. Practices such as self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-care are often seen as ways to cultivate philautia and improve overall well-being.

Overall, philautia emphasizes the importance of nurturing a positive relationship with oneself, recognizing one's own worth and inherent value, and treating oneself with kindness and compassion.